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

Captain of the Wall Guard, is he not?”
    Mayfus looked confused. This was irregular. “Y-yes, my Regent.”
    “A fine position for an apprentice. The Wall is always in need of good men. But as a student under my tutelage, you have proven yourself capable of more. Because of your accomplishments and your father’s exemplary service to the One People, you have been nominated for apprenticeship with Balthazar Abett, Tier of Media. Do you accept this calling?”
    Slink was stunned. Robinson’s head snapped to the back of the room where he found his father’s eyes. He knew in an instant this was his doing, not for Slink or to make a political statement, but out of love for his son. He felt joy for a moment, but it was tempered by the pain he knew would follow.
    “O-of course, Ser!” Slink said as he found his voice. “It would be an honor!”
    A hum ran through the crowd. As Slink turned toward his father, the Bull’s eyes brimmed, likely for the first time in his life. And then Robinson’s name was called.
    “Robinson Crusoe.”
    His chest tightened as he walked toward the stage. It was as if every sight and sound fell away, except for the beating of his heart. He glanced at Tier Saah, but his gaze remained fixed elsewhere.
    “Robinson Crusoe, as first son of your parents, you are named into the apprenticeship of your father, Leodore Crusoe, Tier of Transportation. Do you accept this calling?”
    His voice was suddenly lost. He tried to steady himself, aware that any awkward movement or errant glance might diminish the appearance of his conviction. Every set of eyes in the room was on him. Every viewer across the Eight Regens was watching the Feed. He was ready to sacrifice everything for Tessa.
    And then the lights went out.
    Several screams permeated the room, but Tier Saah called for order. The lights returned a moment later. Robinson looked up to find the Regent’s eyes blank.
    “Ser?” he queried.
    And the Regent toppled to the floor, a knife in his back.
    Citizens screamed. Guards rushed forward. Tier Saah rushed to the Regent’s aid. But Robinson’s eyes were wholly fixed on the handle of the blade and the crest that bore his family’s name. His head instantly turned to Tessa, whose eyes held immense pity but no love.
    Then his father’s voice rang out.
    “Robinson, run!”

Chapter Ten
Flight!

     
     
    The Great Room erupted into chaos. But it was not the Red Guard or Iron Fists that dragged Robinson from the floor; it was Jaras and his friends. They hustled him through a side door just off the kitchen that led to a darkened alcove where they threw him down and pummeled him with kicks and punches.
    “You should have seen your face,” Jaras said, sputum flying from his mouth. “That moment when you knew you’d been played for a fool. Did you really believe my sister would fancy a little nothing like you?”
    “The twins—” Robinson started but was rocked by another punch that brought an explosion of coppery warmth to his mouth.
    “Gone! Gone! Like Daddy, they’re all gone! Just you now but not for long!”
    Robinson tried to get up but was shoved down again.
    “You want to run? You want a chance? All you have to do is beg.”
    He said nothing and was punched in the gut again.
    “Come on, rabbit. Beg. You know how it’s done.”
    Robinson shook his head and was pummeled again.
    “Just give us a whimper, yeah? A little snivel and it’ll all be over. It’s who you are.”
    As hard as he tried, Robinson couldn’t contain the quiver in his lip. Finally, he said, “Please.”
    Jaras sneered again. “Since you asked so nicely …”
    Jaras grit his teeth as he reared back for the final blow. Robinson closed his eyes. But before the blow came, a rush of air blew into the room as a shadow slammed into his attackers. One by one, they cried out as the sickening notes of violence built up to a crescendo.
    Robinson’s vision blurred, but when it returned, he found himself moving through a series