Chapter 18
Not long had passed since Alistar's work group had been roused by the morning gongs. He found himself sitting at his sleeping space with his family, along with Kaila and Talon. The adults had all taken on sombre expressions. Kaila appeared confused, while Alistar looked drained from a night of sleepless dread.
Raidon began speaking a minute or two after everyone had settled, detailing what had transpired inside of the barracks the day before. Apparently, Laisha and Raidon had both been commissioned for release, but Alistar had not. He had only been mining his own share for the past several months, whereas one needed at least eight years of contributions to gain eligibility for release. His mother had argued that his father and his uncle, as well as herself, had been mining an additional share to make up the difference since their first days in the mines, but the guards had told her that all of that work amounted to nothing, as it had not been done by Alistar himself. An old captain of the guard had smiled after a moment, saying that he would be gracious and allow for them to substitute one of their releases in exchange for Alistar's, if they chose to. Ultimately, somebody from their family would have to remain behind. That person would have to begin a fresh eight years of service before they could gain eligibility for release.
Talon was startled that they were selected out of all of the inhabitants of the mines, when many had been here for much longer than them. He narrowed his eyes, openly suspicious. "Why make such a proposal? They have the least reason to free you two, of all people."
Kaila was silent throughout the explanation, her face draining of colour when she learned that Alistar would be leaving the mines, and that she would be staying. She understood that they would probably never meet again. Still, she didn't complain. Alistar wondered what she was thinking.
"And so, Alistar and I shall be leaving tomorrow."
"I see," was all Talon said. His perceptive golden eyes seemed to pick up on more than what was spoken. As if he were aware of the conversation that had taken place between Laisha and Raidon, and the delicate decision-making that followed.
"Tomorrow?" cried Kaila. "That's too soon!" She turned to stare at Alistar, and they shared a look of angst.
"Why can't everyone come along?" Alistar asked, knowing full well that the guards would never allow it.
"Alie..." Kaila blinked tears away as she pulled him into a brittle hug. "Once you see the world outside, I'm sure you won't regret leaving."
"But I want to see it together with everybody. It's bad enough that Father—that Papa can't be there!"
"We'll get out someday," his mother said softly. "And at that time, we'll enjoy the outside world together."