Brace

By Janelle Armstrong

After her banishment from the underground city of Arcadia, Ro has found a new home and friends, but Gray, the young recluse who saved her, is gone. When he suddenly returns to warn everyone of a threat that may destroy them all, she and Gray go to warn others, but their journey reveals a terrible discovery about Gray’s past that just may tear them apart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Janelle Armstrong
• Release date: Jun 9, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370251162

Janelle Armstrong

Since my grandmother's gift of a Nancy Drew book long ago, I've been a prolific reader. From historical romance to mysteries and thrillers, I've always had my nose in a book. Long bus rides back and forth to work went by quickly while caught up in a fictional character's hair-raising adventures. Luckily, I never missed my stop! I have two dystopian series out now. The Barren Plains Series (Exile, Book 1, Brace, Book 2 and Clash, Book 3) and The Extinction Archives (The Drifters, Book 1, The Seekers, Book 2 and The Outcasts, Book 3). My new book is a stand-alone romantic suspense called Entwined. All are available in ebook or paperback.

Book preview

BRACE

The Barren Plains Series, Book 2

Janelle Armstrong

Brace

The Barren Plains Series, Book 2

Janelle Armstrong

Copyright © 2017

All Rights Reserved.

Cover design by Dawné Dominique

Smashwords edition

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the internet or any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

Other books by Janelle Armstrong

Exile (The Barren Plains Series, Book 1)

For my mother, who passed on her love of reading, and for my family, who encouraged me and put up with my obsession to write.

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

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

CHAPTER 1

RO

I stood silent and unmoving as I listened to the sounds of the forest around me: the gentle rustle of treetops swaying in the light breeze, the buzz of insects rocketing through the air, and the distant gurgle of a nearby creek. The snap and crunch of dry twigs deep in the underbrush heralded the approach of a large animal moving in our direction. I glanced over at the hunter to my right and nodded as we unslung our bows and nocked an arrow. Our movements were performed with practiced ease. I looked to my left and the hunter there signaled to another in the woods with the soft warble of a songbird.

We waited, motionless, until a sudden cacophony of shouts pierced the quiet and the unwary prey squealed in alarm. I drew back my bow and kept it steady as I concentrated on the sounds of the animal charging toward our position, snorting in alarm and panic. It broke into the open and paused, still oblivious to the danger in front of it.

With a grunt, the large boar darted forward only to fall victim to three well-placed arrows. It jerked and rolled to its side, struggling a moment before going still.

Gavin came to my side and grinned. We’re a triple threat, Ro. His warm brown eyes sparkled.

My other hunting companion, a petite girl with short, chestnut-colored hair, joined us. Really, Gavin, a triple threat?

Gavin slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her against his side. Big boar, three arrows, he boasted.

I smiled at my two closest friends. Darcy, I don’t know how you put up with him.

Darcy looked at the tall, young hunter who’d captured her heart. His slightly crooked nose and abundance of roguish charm was more than enough to turn any girl’s head, but it was Darcy he loved.

There was a hint of mischief in her expression. Neither do I. I hope he’s not this annoying when we go to the horse canyon.

I shook my head. I don’t know. I don’t think he can help it.

Maybe we should leave him behind, Darcy suggested with a straight face.

Hey, Gavin complained. I’m standing right here. There’s no way I’m not going with.

Darcy and I looked at each other and burst out laughing.

Gavin shook his head, ignoring our amusement. It’s too bad Gray left. I know he wanted to go with us.

Darcy nudged him and pressed her foot down hard on his.

Gavin yelped, hopped on one leg and eyed her with wariness.

You don’t have to worry about me, I told them. I’m fine.

Gavin put some distance between himself and Darcy. I still don’t understand why he left.

I shrugged and went to retrieve our arrows. He likes living alone. I hadn’t yet shared the note he left me, afraid I’d mistaken his words.

Hah! Gavin snorted. I don’t believe that. He liked being here. Sure, he was a little unsociable at first. I mean, who wouldn’t be after living alone for so long? I think he really wanted to stay, but he told me there were things I didn’t know. He looked at me, raising his brows.

I heaved a sigh and met their worried looks. I think Gray went to look for something or someone out on the Barren Plains, but I don’t know what or who. He brought me here to Green Valley because I had no place else to go. He didn’t want me to stay with him.

Gavin snorted and began to count on his fingers. First, he rescues you from feral dogs after you escaped from your freaky underground city, then he teaches you how to survive on the surface and brings you here, but doesn’t leave. You can ask anyone and they’ll tell you his eyes always went to you whenever you were near. And finally, he wouldn’t leave your side when you were sick, and both Darcy and I saw how worried he was. It doesn’t make sense that he’d just leave you to go see what’s on the other side of the Barren Plains.

Darcy put her hand on Gavin’s arm and he fell silent.

Their concern washed over me and I managed a brief smile. Maybe when he finds what he’s looking for, he’ll be back. It was the one tiny sliver of hope I kept in my heart.

Well, he’ll be sorry he missed the horse canyon, Gavin muttered. I don’t know what could be more important than retrieving a group of horses for each village. It’s going to change everything.

The discovery of a hidden valley containing a large herd of horses had astonished everyone. No one had seen a horse for decades and thought they’d all died out. The midnight black wild stallion brought to the harvest competitions by Aspen Grove was given to Gray as outstanding competitor, but he’d taken the horse with him when he left Green Valley.

Before he could say more, Darcy spoke with firmness. Let’s get this boar back to the village.

When the other hunters from our group joined us, we trussed the boar to a pole for the long walk back to Green Valley.

As soon as we arrived, we took the boar to the kitchen where Martha was waiting. All of us were looking forward to the upcoming feast before our departure to bring back horses for our village.

I left Gavin and Darcy and went to meet Frances, Green Valley’s healer. I hurried to the large garden near the barn that contained the most common herbs used for medicine. This would be one of my first tests, and I was determined to identify each and every plant. After we returned with the horses, I would learn more about all the wild herbs and plants located deep in the forest that were used for treating a multitude of other illnesses and conditions.

The pretty healer with light blue eyes who was not much more than a decade older than myself welcomed me with a smile. Are you ready?

I swallowed. Yes.

I took a nervous breath and, starting with the first row, began to name each plant and their uses. I’d spent many hours learning about the medicines that came from a variety of herbs, types of fungus, tree bark, roots, and mud. Even nature’s smallest contributed to our well-being; spider webs could help stop bleeding and seal a wound. Under Frances’ guidance, I mixed, ground, scraped, dried, and boiled various plants until I knew how to prepare and use each one.

Long ago synthetic drugs were cheaper and easier to make, but after the dark years, they were harder to come by. Many healers turned to plant pharmacology, which had been around for thousands of years, and this knowledge together with new discoveries were shared among all the mountain villages.

When I finished the last row, I stopped and waited.

Well done, Ro. Frances clapped. You correctly identified all of them.

I relaxed in relief. I think your suggestion to become a Class C healer for a hunting group is perfect. I can do both the things I’ve grown to enjoy. I let my gaze wander to the rugged mountains that surrounded our valley. Maybe it’s just because everything is still so new to me, but I can’t seem to get enough of the sun and stars. My first night on the surface, I stared up at the sky almost the whole night. My eyes met hers. I like being in the forest where I can stand in silence and listen to the sounds of life around me. In Arcadia, there was just the persistent quiet hum of the machines that kept us alive. I reached down to touch the outside rind of an aloe leaf. I want to know about all the medicines so I can help people, too.

Frances beamed. You’re a very good hunter, and your quick understanding of our medicine here on the surface is remarkable.

I closed my eyes for a second as a memory of Gray’s emerald eyes, brimming with amusement at my first attempts to use a bow, flashed behind my lids.

She came over to join me. Let’s get back. I have something for you.

As we walked toward the village, we waved to the village problem solvers and engineers, Mike and Thomas, who were in the yard outside their workshop testing a pump for their new hydroponic gardening system. I’d given them the idea when they questioned me about my underground city. One of the deep storage areas was now being equipped with special growing lights and tubing for plants.

You’ve given them so much to think about, they’ll be busy for years, Frances observed with amusement.

I’m glad I could help. I grinned.

We moved past the young men and Frances glanced over at me. You’re going to miss the hand-fasting ceremony.

I knew several couples were preparing for the ritual. We can’t delay our trip, so I’ll have to wait for the next one.

Does Arcadia perform a ceremony, too? she asked with curiosity.

I frowned, remembering the preparation the pledges went through thanks to the new rules by Chairman Brume. Yes, but after shaving their heads and spending two weeks quarantined, I don’t think too many found much cause for celebration. It’s more of a duty to keep the city’s population healthy.

That’s a shame. For us, it’s a very special occasion and one that everyone takes part in.

There was a wistful note in her voice and I found myself asking, Have you ever thought about hand-fasting with someone?

Her smile faded and I was startled to see a flash of sadness in her eyes. I was hand-fasted once.

I shouldn’t have asked, I began, sensing her distress.

No, it’s all right. I lost my husband in an accident many years ago. We’d been hand-fasted for a month. That’s why I left here to go apprentice in Joyner Peak. I knew I would be gone a few years, and when I returned to Green Valley, I hoped the pain of his loss would be less intense. She smiled at me. He’s a treasured memory and I can think of him now without hurting. Bringing Liam and Lily back here helped fill the void in my heart. They know I’m not their real mother, but they love me and I love them. For now, that’s enough.

When we got back to the infirmary, she had me wait on the porch while she went inside. She returned in a moment with a satchel made of durable leather. I opened it up and looked inside. It was a medical kit I could carry with me, packed with everything I might need. There was even a special pocket for my tin of char cloths and flint.

I don’t know what to say. Thank you! I ran my hand over the packets and vials, noting each name. I felt a source of pride that I knew the uses for each one.

Keep this kit close to you, Frances advised. It’s just as important as food and water.

I will. The strap was long enough to go across my body so that the satchel rested against my hip.

I looked over her shoulder and saw the twins, Liam and Lily, peeking out the door. When I smiled, they came out.

Liam, as usual, was the first to speak. Could you bring us back a horse? We want to learn how to ride like Gray. His wide blue eyes were serious.

I’ll see what I can do.

I was surprised when Lily stepped forward and folded her arms. I want a wild dog puppy. I’m going to train him to be just like Twig. I knew how sad she was when Gray left with his hybrid wolf/dog. Twig had saved her life and she was devoted to the large canine who had made friends with most of the village, especially the children.

Frances smiled and shook her head. We’ll see.

I stooped down and gave them my most serious look. I have a favor to ask of you.

Two pairs of sky blue eyes widened with curiosity.

We’re going to need names for the horses. While we’re gone, you could start making a list, so we have several to choose from.

They grinned, and after a quick hug from each of them, they ran off to start their task.

Frances raised her brows as she watched the two children run to the schoolhouse to fetch paper and pencils. I hope you’re prepared for some unusual names.

Laughing, I stepped off the porch to go meet the party of hunters hailing us. They were the last group to return. The young men and women were shouting something, and Frances joined me to see what was happening.

A young man named James was the first to reach us. He paused a moment to catch his breath. We found a group of people on the north trail. They’re in bad shape. They’ve been traveling for a long time. Their leader said they were all that was left of their village. We’re going to get the carts to help bring them here. Some can barely walk and they’re suffering from exposure. He rushed off, leaving Frances and me to exchange surprised looks.

I shaded my eyes and saw a line of people, adults and a few children, walking with slow, painful steps toward our village. Some were stumbling with exhaustion. They were being helped by the hunters who found them.

Frances took charge, giving orders and organizing everyone for the strangers coming in. Any misfortune could have befallen their village from freak storms to sudden floods or fire.

Ro, find George and let him know what’s happening, then come back here. She turned to a few young men who came over to see if they could help. Start setting up pallets in the empty cabins. There’s too many people to treat inside the infirmary.

I hurried off to find George, who, with the village elder Samuel, supervised everyday life in Green Valley. He was making some minor repairs at the mill located at the far end of the meadow, and it took me many precious minutes to reach the tall structure that housed the huge waterwheel.

I found the giant wheel motionless and dripping with water. It took more time to find George, who was working on the lowest level with two others. His stocky body was wedged into a cramped space as he studied a problem with the giant wheel. He looked up as I rushed in and listened with a frown as I told him what was happening.

You’d best get back to the infirmary. Tell Frances I’ll be there as soon as I can.

I nodded and hurried back, meeting Gavin at the edge of the village. Samuel is asking to see you.

I was a little surprised. Right now?

Gavin was giving me an odd look. Yeah. He’s in the communal building.

I made my way down the main street, noticing Frances’ apprentices, Rose and Dottie, hurrying between the cabins and the infirmary. I could hear a child’s cries coming from a cabin and someone’s soft voice trying to soothe the young one’s hiccupping sobs.

When I entered the dining area, a group of people were standing around a table near the back of the room. Samuel motioned me over.

The village elder was speaking to a man who was wolfing down a plate of food. I saw painful sunburn and cuts on his back where his clothes were torn. He appeared thin and must have been starving, judging by the way he was eating. I stepped up to Samuel and he indicated the empty place next to him. I sat down and looked at the malnourished man hunched over the half-empty plate in front of him. He glanced up when I sat down.

The room tilted and my stomach dropped as though I’d fallen from a great height. I was sure my mouth was gaping open with surprise and shock, and I could see the man across from me was having the same reaction.

Kane! I gasped.

CHAPTER 2

GRAY

The red dirt extended out into the distance as far as I could see. Stories handed down about this desolate and unwelcoming place claimed the Barren Plains were the result of human folly rather than nature. Whatever the cause, I wouldn’t try to cross that waterless desert just yet but instead follow the boundary north to see how far it went. I kept close to the green hills bordering the plains where game and water were plentiful.

On the afternoon of the fourth day I pulled Gulliver up to rest and stared out at the inhospitable flat wasteland.

So far, I’d found only the broken and crumbling remains of once thriving cities flattened to their foundations long ago by horrific storms and wildfires. After a while, even these last signs of civilization disappeared. There was nothing farther north but endless tundra. It was time to cross into the Barren Plains and see what mysteries it held.

The weather turned colder, and I paused to put on my thick jacket. To add to my misery, a raw wind swept across the land with a bone-chilling bite, and I was glad the heat from Gulliver’s body helped keep me warm. After a long day, it was a relief to find a small hillock for shelter and set up camp for the night.

I was beginning to think my quest to find out where I came from was hopeless. Maybe there was no danger and I was a fool to leave Ro. What if she was with Gavin now? Jealousy became my new companion as I scowled into the dark. Sleep was elusive as I tossed and turned, tormented by eyes of polished silver filled with hurt and rebuke.

At dusk the next day, Twig, who’d been scouting ahead, came out of the twilight and sat, giving a low whine. I tied Gulliver to a thick branch of dead scrub and followed the large dog as he disappeared into the shadows. Something was making him wary, and I moved in silence at his side.

We hadn’t travelled far when he paused to look up at me. The sound of distant voices carried across the cold, still air. Twig and I moved forward until we reached a small incline overlooking a camp. Five men sat or reclined on the ground. They talked in low tones and I was too far away to hear them. I signaled Twig to stay and inched closer.

The darkness and a scattered pile of rock offered me a place of concealment. One of the men was speaking. He was a big brute with long, tangled hair and, in the flicker of a cooking fire, I saw a nasty scar down one side of his face and a strange mark on his other cheek just beneath his eye. I’m glad we made contact with Paulus. I was beginning to think he was never going to show up.

Another man grunted in response. He’s always been reliable. We now know the larger villages aren’t strong enough to oppose us. Paulus is smart to stay behind and learn as much as he can.

The marked man snorted. I don’t like the waiting. We should have taken them long ago. The one up north was easy enough.

The other man chuckled. Do you really want to tell Castor that? These mountain villages are not like the weak ones we’ve conquered on the plains. He’s right to send us ahead, and now that we know about them, they’ll be easy prey for us. Best of all, the news we bring will make Castor very happy. He ended the conversation by dousing the fire and wrapping himself in his blanket to settle down for the night. He yawned. We leave at sunrise.

I waited until I was sure they were all asleep before returning to Gulliver. It was a stroke of luck finding them, and I would follow them back to their village. I needed to know more about them. Their talk of villages as prey brought a chill to my blood.

The strange men’s trail was easy enough to follow, and I kept far behind them, out of sight. I learned they were hard men. They didn’t dawdle. They ate, they slept and they walked from dawn to dusk. When I crept close, their brief conversations gave me no new information. I chafed at their slow pace, knowing Gulliver and I could have traveled the same distance in less than half that time.

When they reached their village, I might have to leave Gulliver somewhere safe so I could continue undetected. So far, I’d seen no signs of predators, and