Broken Tenets

By Beth Reason

After an asteroid collided with earth and changed the tilt of the axis, humanity had to adapt. The survivors of the impact slowly rebuilt, creating a migratory society that followed the short growing seasons. Migration was more than a suggestion, it was the law.

Tenet Bradwin, the son of the nation's Exalted Leader, spent weeks gathering supplies and making plans to go through the modern day rite of passage and off-season through the Summer. Others had done it. Others had hidden from the transports and guards to test their mettle against the brutal elements. Others had done it and been considered heroes by their peers. He was certain he could handle it.

But he hadn't planned on wraiths. He hadn't considered the enormous gilla and raptors and other preditors that prowled in the sun. He hadn't known his food would spoil in days, or that all his practical training at the Academy was useless in the brutal reality of Summer. In a very short time, Tenet learned that all he thought he knew was no more than a story. He didn't just have to prove his mettle. In the scorching Summer sun, he quickly learned that he had to prove himself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Beth Reason
• Release date: Nov 7, 2013
• ISBN: 9781311183552

Beth Reason

I love to try new ways to create things. However, writing is the only thing I always come back to. Life interrupted my path several times, until finally my family said to bite the bullet and give this scary "putting myself out there" thing a try.

Book preview

Broken

Tenets

By Beth Reason

Copyright 2013 Beth Reason

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be copied or resold, either for commercial or non-commercial use. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author!

Table of Contents:

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

About the Author

More Great Books By Beth Reason!

Chapter 1

Tenet lay in a pool of his own blood, the result of a bad situation completely of his making, and cursed everything and everyone he wanted to blame instead. He refused to accept responsibility. As his life congealed unapologetically beneath him, such a revelation surely would have meant the end. He cursed the stars as he tried to move the shattered remains of his arm. He cursed the sky as he made a pathetic attempt to clench what was once a fist. He cursed his mother for having instilled in him a reckless streak of abandon, and he cursed his father for daring to try and quell it. He cursed the migration. He cursed the police. He cursed the bots and crops and bugs...

As long as he had breath to curse, he was breathing. And that, most of all, was what mattered.

While his left arm was mangled beyond recognition, his right was mostly intact. His mind ran through the short list of things to blame for his situation. His instructors. They hadn't warned him just how bad it would be, so it was all their fault too, wasn't it? He cursed them as he gritted his teeth and made a valiant effort to shift into a better position. It felt as if his arm had successfully moved mountains. In reality, it was just barely out of the rut in the sand it made on impact.

Goddammit! he screamed, not caring that anyone around to hear him would be exactly who he was trying to avoid. He wriggled in a fit and was happy to find that at least one leg could move enough to send up a plume of dust. Ha! he shouted in triumph, as he watched the sand settle back in place. As small as it might be, it was indeed a victory.

Victory was short-lived. The outburst in the middle of the blazing sun had sapped him. And so, he cursed again, this time finally admitting whose fault it all was: his own.

Tenet panted and tried to will his heart to slow. He had to get himself under control if he had any chance of survival. The thought crossed his mind, and actually made him laugh. A little maniacally, true, but it was still a laugh. What was it that his mother always said? If you can laugh, it can't be that bad. He took a deep breath and tried to move his arm again. Rightie creaked, and he was certain he heard a crunch, but slowly he got it to obey.

Movement was limited. Being a shattered heap at the base of an unsheltered cliff had left him with very few options. Every inch of movement took ten times the effort it would have in normal circumstances, and he quickly discovered that it was better to plan how to move next before trying to come up with something along the way. When he had finally moved enough to prop himself up on his elbow, he felt like collapsing with relief. He took a few deep breaths, wishing he could somehow maneuver to wipe the sweat off his face. It was out of the question, of course. He hadn't mastered his face mask with two hands just yet, never mind trying to let rightie go solo. Even if he miraculously had the dexterity of a superhero and somehow got it off, he couldn't leave it that way. He'd last maybe an hour, if informations from the Undergrounds was correct...half that if the government was to be believed. He sighed. There was nothing to be done but let the sweat drip.

His fast, shallow breathing slowed. That was something, anyway. He took a deep breath and nothing popped or cracked, so he figured it was another good sign. Carefully he twisted to the right, then left. The leftward movement was a mistake. Searing pain shot up his arm and he nearly succumbed to the dark threatening to claim him. Left bad, he mumbled over and over, trying to remain conscious.

Eventually his mantra helped the dizziness pass. He was sorely tempted to lay down and wait to see if someone would come to help him, but the thought was absurd, both to his ego which still insisted he could take care of himself, and the practicalities of the situation. He needed to move. He needed to find shelter. He needed to remove the face mask. He needed to check his wounds. He needed to stop the bleeding. He needed so much that he had no idea how to get that in the end, he resolved to just look around. Look around, find somewhere. Then think of the rest.

As it had for days, the hollowness of the land both astounded and confused him. He knew this land. He'd spent his whole life here on the Tenet Ranch.

No, that wasn't true. As he'd been reminding himself for just as many days, he'd only spent half his life here. The cold half.

But still, he thought he should recognize something, shouldn't he? He looked around at the scorched fields and cliffs and tried to picture them green. If he could picture them green, he might have a chance. Surely he combed every inch of this land in his childhood. Was this where he and his sister hid for two days because there had been no way of hiding the broken lamp? Or was this the other side of the ranch, where he and Jiti Ton had the tree climbing contest? There were trees, or trunks of trees to be more accurate. Were those the ones?

No green anywhere. Last week, the land had started to turn. As with every spring that fades into the oppressive heat of summer, the leaves took a darker hue, drooping instead of being vibrant and excited to stretch toward the sun. A haze had developed in the afternoons, watery sheets of heat hovering over the crops. Even the dogs had taken to resting under the porch instead of chasing after flies. The signs of summer were all there.

But...it had still been green.

He wondered again idly how many people knew this happened? Of course, they all knew in the abstract sense of those who have gained knowledge from the tales of others. But how many of them actually knew? When they were boarding the transports, trying to remember what it was they surely forgot to do before the migration, did any of them realize just how quickly it happened? Just how lucky they were to beat the true heat of Summer?

It didn't really matter when there were more important things to focus on. He let the thoughts slip away and tried to search the horizon. He had been walking for days, so he doubted he'd be able to see the house, especially from ground level. Much to his surprise and chagrin, the transport network had been shut down as the last migration transport pulled away from the station. He knew they shut it down for Summer, but, like everything else, he had no idea how quickly the process would be complete. There must be a switch somewhere. One big switch. Maybe a big red button that some maniac giggled about finally getting to hit...

Tenet shook his head. Focus. He had to focus.

His head rolled to the right and he saw shade. That's where he was going. Right there. It didn't matter that it was a good mile long crawl. He could make it. Yup.

And with that thought, he heard a soft thud in his chest. Just before he blacked out, it occurred to him that it was odd he didn't feel anything.

**

I said get the hell up! hissed a voice very close to his ear.

But Tenet didn't want to get up. He was in the middle of a wonderful dream. Everything was green. His mother was bringing him lemonade to quench his thirst. His sister had an ice pack for his scorching head. He didn't want to wake up, and closed his eyes tighter.

Get up or I'm leaving you to roast.

Tenet frowned. Now that didn't sound very friendly!

I know you can hear me, I know you're awake. Get your pampered ass up and get those legs moving.

Tenet cleared his throat. Perhaps you didn't notice that I'm injured, he sulked, though his lips were too dry to pull off a pout.

The person sighed and swore under her breath. Definitely a woman. You're fine. Get up. We need to go, she said, with less anger and more urgency.

Tenet cracked open his eyes and blinked, expecting to be blinded by the sun. Instead, they were under some sort of a plank. Where, he had no idea. He was equally clueless as to how. The one thing he was sure of, though, was that he was definitely injured. My arm. I fell off the cliff...

Look we don't have time for this! she almost yelled. Almost. She caught herself just in time. I don't think you understand what a serious situation we're in. In less than an hour, bots will be all over every inch of this ranch. I don't know about you, but I'm not a fan of those creepy little bastards, so last time: either you get up now, or I'm outta here.

Tenet heard her tone and knew she was dead serious. Gingerly he tried to raise up on his right elbow again.

She sighed heavily once again and suddenly was standing over him. He opened his mouth to object when he saw her hand heading for his collar, but the look on her face said quite clearly that there would be no arguing. He squeezed his eyes shut, bracing against the pain as her hand gripped his suit front and he was lifted upright. He stood swaying, expecting to hit the ground again at any moment. When it didn't happen, he cracked an eyelid open.

She was staring at him through the window of her mask with an expression of confusion, disgust, hatred, and maybe just a little respect...though Tenet hedged he was just hopeful about the respect. There. You're up.

He looked down at his mangled arm. Huh, was all he said when he saw that it was perfectly in one piece. I thought I lost it for sure.

She swore and stood muttering to herself for a second, obviously searching for patience. From what I can gather, you tripped over a rock and hit your head. The pattern in the ground looks like you passed out and were in the same position for quite some time. She held her hand up when he opened his mouth. Don't worry. I already cleared the area. He closed his mouth, even though that wasn't what he was going to ask. In fact, he kept his mouth shut while she detailed the reality of his ordeal out of sheer humiliation. He hadn't even thought about clearing the area, nor any area he had plundered through the past few days.

My guess is that your arm fell asleep, you woke up and couldn't move it and assumed the worst, she said, shaking her head. No matter. The point is, you're a bit scuffed up, but fine. Now can we go? I don't want to face the bots, especially after dark. She turned and started walking, leaving absolutely no room for debate.

Tenet's head was spinning. He flexed his left hand inside the thick gloves. It worked, and there was little pain. He lifted it in front of him, and again, nothing fell off. He could have turned red with embarrassment, hung his head, and obediently followed behind his mystery savior. Hell, he probably should have. But he didn't. Why should he be embarrassed? He still got knocked unconscious. He certainly didn't deserve the barely contained contempt. Now look here, he said, starting after her.

Instead of stopping, she pushed forward, increasing her pace until Tenet had to jog to catch up.

Hey! I'm trying to talk to you!

And if you want me to save your sorry ass, you'll do less talking and more walking, she said in an even tone, not showing one bit of the hard breathing Tenet suffered.

Well who asked you to, anyway? he yelled.

She pivoted in her tracks and marched back to him until she stood mask to mask. Scream like that again, and the bots will have to fight over your remains. Her voice was cool and even, but Tenet wasn't stupid enough to mistake it for calm. He knew without a doubt that she fully meant it. He took a deep breath and tried to stop his knees from shaking.

I didn't mean to yell. But look it at from my point of view. I was walking, had an accident, she opened her mouth to object, but he plowed ahead, however it happened. You say a rock, I say a cliff, again, he had to ignore the roll of her eyes. At any rate, it was a severe enough knock to the head that I was rendered unconscious. I woke up in extreme agony, confused out of my mind...

That was from dehydration. I swear, tackling Summer without a water supply...

Whatever! he cut in, loudly enough to get the glare. He lowered his voice. I was still out of my head and confused, alright? Does it really matter why? No. So, there I was, languishing in the sun...

You wanna speed this up?

He did a silent ten count. He couldn't strangle her, no matter how frustrating she was. The fact was, he needed her. My point is that I haven't even had a minute to think things through, and I'd appreciate you answering a few questions.

She opened her mouth, then snapped it shut. Fine. Ask while we walk. I wasn't kidding about the bots. She turned around and resumed her horse race pace.

What's your name? asked Tenet, falling into the swift step.

Scarab.

Tenet snorted. Like the bug? What kind of name is that?

Mine.

There was more to the story there. Way more. He'd have to find out later. Fine, Scarab. I'm Tenet...

Bradwin the third... she finished.

Tenet frowned. It's fourth, actually...

Whatever.

How did you know?

Scarab didn't answer, just kept up her break neck pace. He asked again and she flipped a rude gesture over her shoulder at him. Okay, that subject was also closed. He sighed. How did you find me?

She laughed then, not a maniacal laugh of a lunatic, but a deep belly laugh as if he had just said the funniest thing in the world. You're kidding, right? she asked when the chuckles subsided.

He knew she was laughing at him. For what, he really didn't know. For awhile they just trotted in silence while he tried to brood. He had been extremely careful to cover his tracks. Except for the fall scene, of course, and he couldn't be faulted for that, now could he? No. Other than that, he had carefully picked his way across the ranch, looking back every now and again to make sure he left no sign. Okay, so he didn't do any cover or sweep. But he didn't see anywhere he had needed to.

He sniffed at the insult as he played it over in his head. His tracking skills won him much acclaim at the Academy. Top in his class, his professor had pronounced to the banquet audience just last Winter. How dare she question his ability? And so went the conversation in his head, while ahead of him, Scarab randomly snickered.

Anger turned to offense and mixed with curiosity. Eventually, curiosity won over sulkiness. Alright, I give up. Just what do you mean by 'you're kidding'?

She shook her head. No offense or anything, but I doubt you could hide yourself from a bot if you were sitting in the middle of a magnetic field!

Aha, so it was supposed to be offensive. He snorted and huffed and finally said, I'll have you know I was tops in the Academy!

She sighed. Hey relax, okay? I said 'no offense'.

I was, he persisted.

Yes, I'm sure you were. And that's fine. Good, even. Did you get a ribbon for it? Medal, perhaps?

He started to answer before he realized she was still picking on him. Actually, I got a...

I was joking, she said, flatly. I don't really care what fancy thing they did for you. That was in school. This is life.

He wouldn't let it drop. The point of schooling is to prepare one for life, he said, in the haughtiest voice he could. Professors McCoodle and Gransh are renowned for their tracking skills.

Is that a fact?

Absolutely! World renowned. And I'll have you know that fourteen graduates from my class alone, myself included, have received personal letters of recognition from the Grand Council itself on setting the new standard of tracking and track courses.

Oh really, she said, flatly.

He puffed his chest a bit and had the stupidity to continue. And, if that's not enough for you, I'll have it be known right now that I happen to be the head tracker on this very ranch, the largest ranch in both Summer and Winter.

That did it. Scarab set her jaw and said in her haughtiest voice, And how many of those attending the Academy have ever actually had to put it to the test, huh? Hell, for that matter, how many of those sainted professors have, either? I'll wager none, since I'd know their names if they did!

He rolled his eyes. Of course we have never actually tried it. Not from the bots. But the skills are a necessary part of Agro, and are used every single day. He was tempted to add a duh in there, but decided to take the high road.

Well, now, she said with a sly grin, "We're not tracking raptors, are we? We're not tracking wraiths. We're not tracking gilla or coonskunks. In fact, Mr. Know-it-all, in case I haven't gotten it across to you by now, we're not tracking anything. We're being tracked. Just what have your professors taught you about that?"

Alright, point to Scarab. Fine, he grudgingly conceded. But that doesn't change anything. We're being tracked...so I've just been doing everything in reverse.

She stopped so quickly he almost ran into her. Everything in reverse?

He nodded. Yes. I take the signs I look for when tracking, and try not to do those things myself.

Ah, she said with a nod. I see.

He gave a smug smile. That's right. Point Tenet.

She made a turning motion with her finger. Would you please look behind us?

He turned and saw their track. Actually, he saw one track. He followed it from the horizon back. Not surprisingly, but much to his dismay, the tracks lead right to his very own feet. Oh, he said quietly.

She took pity on him. Look. You track. I'm sure you're very good at it, in proper season. But Summer...it's a whole different ballgame. You have to look for solid items...

I was!

I know. But you have to look for clean solid items, something without dust.

He looked back at the track and could see her point. He never even thought of that. He'd been very careful to hop from rock to rock whenever possible. It was what lead him to the top of that large cliff. He figured he'd leave prints in the ash that was once the green of the ranch. Yet when he looked back, he saw not her footprints in the ash, but a completely undisturbed expanse. But how...

Look, she said as she stomped her foot. The ash puffed around her legs, but quickly settled. She took a step forward and to his surprise, there was no print left behind at all.

That's amazing!

She sighed again. Not really. Just set your feet straight and almost stomp. Don't drag, or the whole thing is ruined.

Tenet gave it a try.

Stomp, not shuffle.

He tried again. And again. And again. Finally he threw his hands in the air and was about to yell when he caught the look she was giving. I can't do it, he said in a carefully controlled tone.

Maybe not yet, but you will.

He doubted it. She turned and started walking again, but he stood and watched. Puffs, then settling into nothing. He seriously doubted he'd ever be able to pull that off. It made him wonder how long she'd been out here. He clumsily stomped his way up to her and asked just that.

Seven Summers here, seven Winters there.

Tenet scoffed. That's ridiculous. No one does that.

She shrugged, not caring one way or the other if he believed her. You're out here.

I'm here because...

No, she said firmly, holding her hand up almost in his face. I don't want to know.

Now that was odd. Tenet was thoroughly confused by this woman. She claimed to spend fourteen off seasons? Insane. No one could have lived through that much physical torture, much less a woman. True, there were urban legends about such people. But that's all they were, myths. The logistics of actually doing it were beyond human comprehension. Not to mention the legality of it. There was no way a government would allow someone to risk it. One Winter, one Summer, maybe. And that was pushing it. The penalties were too severe.

And yet...the ash walking trick, he knew it had to take time to learn, so this was not her first off season. He watched her walk a few paces ahead of him. It was impossible to tell just how large she was because of the suit, but she was definitely tall. Probably not skinny, either, he decided after watching the way she moved. He himself had lost weight, and he'd only been in the off season a few days. If she truly was one of those mythic creatures who hovered on the outskirts of humanity and society by being off seasoners...

Tenet stumbled over a rock, his thoughts scattering. Shit, he hissed, catching himself before another fall. Who the hell designed these boots anyway? A blind monkey?

Scarab snorted again. I would have thought you practiced walking in them in the Academy.

Tenet sniffed and held his nose a notch higher. For your information, we did. I'm just not used to these antiquated beasts. We had the very latest in terrain gear available, you know.

I bet you did.

There was obviously a reason these horrendous things died out.

Obviously, she said dryly, shaking her head. The latest models, he said. Of course. What else would do at the Academy? If it's so great, and you're such an expert in using the latest and greatest, then why aren't you wearing it?

Tenet frowned and sulked to himself. They both knew the answer to that one. One