Robinson Crusoe 2244 by E.J. Robinson Read Free Book Online

legs rather than two. One arm was stunted, flopping like a child’s, but its other was grossly distended with ropy muscle and a fist larger than a cantaloupe that bore talon-like claws. Its flesh was wet, intermingled with blood and pus that ran from ulcerated pocks tattooing its rigid back and chest. Despite these horrors, the creature looked sickly and sallow. Several children from Tier families stabbed it with blunt sticks, laughing as it howled.
    “Well, boy? Is it everything you imagined?” a familiar voice asked from behind him.
    Robinson turned. “Actually, Taskmaster. It looks rather pathetic.”
    Taskmaster Satu sneered, his eyes red from too much drink. Robinson had never known him to drink. “Does it now? I wonder if you’d feel pity for it if there weren’t bars between you? Or if you two met on the other side of the Wall?”
    Robinson shrugged bravely. “Give me a weapon and I like my chances.”
    This time the teacher laughed. “You wouldn’t last a day outside and we both know it.” He watched the boy deflate. “Your mother held a similar compassion for these abominations. She tried to see their humanity through the disease. Look what it got her.”
    “My mother died in a flyer accident. What do you mean?”
    Taskmaster Satu seemed to want to say more. Then he looked around. “Nothing.”
    “You’ve always hated me. I never understood why.”
    Pity bled across the teacher’s face. “I don’t hate you, boy,” he said softly. “Only what you’re destined to become.”
    “And what is that?” Robinson asked.
    Taskmaster Satu nodded toward the surly crowd. “One of them.”
    By the time the Spire Bells began to toll the start of the ceremony, the rain outside had grown into a heavy downpour. Thunder could be heard over the music and once, the lights in the Great Room fluttered.
    Robinson joined his group of schoolmates to the left of the grand staircase just as the Regent and his Retinue arrived. Tier Saah took up position next to him, his head held high, his mouth a grim line.
    Robinson’s chest felt tight. He knew what he was about to do would rock the Townships, if not the very Isle. It might also destroy his father. But if he loved him, he would understand. He looked to Tessa. When her eyes met his he smiled, but she looked more nervous than he did at what was to come.
    “Citizens of the One People,” the Regent began, his voice melodious as it played over the Feed. “Tonight we celebrate the Day of Naming. It is a sacred tradition that began over two centuries ago, given to us in the form of the Third Law by our founders to ensure our continued way of life. Here, tonight, your children— our children —will take the final step in joining us in full citizenry by hearing their names read aloud and accepting apprenticeship in their parents’ trade.”
    He nodded and a group of Taskmasters stood up behind him. One familiar face was conspicuously absent.
    “In adherence to the Third Law, I give you this year’s Named.”
    With the reading of each name, one of Robinson’s classmates crossed to the dais and was offered apprenticeship under one of his or her parent’s name. Each accepted to the applause of the crowd and to the occasional sob of family members. Seleen Cottsfold, Powe Lawrell, Tius Absroy. Each proudly accepted their calling. And then Jaras Saah’s name was called. Robinson’s blood boiled as he walked smugly forward.
    “Jaras, as first son of your parents, you are named to the apprenticeship of your father, Vardan Saah, Tier of Civil Obedience. Do you accept this calling?”
    “Yes, my Regent,” answered Jaras. And as if fate designed to punctuate the moment, a streak of lightning and the roar of thunder set the lights fluttering again.
    “Then may your addition be a boon to the One People until the end of your days.”
    Tier Saah beamed as his son returned. Robinson’s gut continued to twist until Slink’s name filled the hall.
    “Mayfus Grey, your father is