Fragments of Memory
Jardy woke up. It was still night and he could hear the waterfall outside his window. The familiar sound calmed his jumbled thoughts. He closed his eyes and tried to sleep but the strange images wouldnt leave his mind. He got up and went outside on the ledge. He sat down and hung his legs over the smooth cliff edge. He laid back and watched the narrow strip of sky that the canyon allowed him to see. The wind carried the voices of the dead from below. It put goose bumps on his arms and chest and sent a shiver down his spine. Winter would be arriving soon.
He closed his eyes as the wind swept over him. The touch of the dead did not remove the images from his head. Skyscrapers of glass so smooth you can see your reflection and when you looked through it there were no distortions. There were cars of all shapes and sizes but they were moving on their own. The people were sitting inside enjoying the ride. There were other skyscrapers made of concrete. They had smooth sides and sharp corners. All the towers were taller than he could see. There were people everywhere, walking, riding, and inside the skyscrapers. A thousand times more people than lived in Haldis. He didnt know why he knew what the images in his dream were called he just knew. The wind blew colder and the voices of the dead became louder. He got up and went back inside.
Jardy woke the next morning his strange dream still in his mind. He could hear his mother, Ina, in the other room. His father already left. He was either working on the cliff side excavating more dwellings or on the surface attending to the crops. He got dressed and went into the main room where his mother was preparing breakfast.
Jardy couldnt you sleep. I heard you get up last night.
I had that dream again last night. It kept me from sleeping. I dont know what to do anymore.
Maybe you should talk to Emily. She might know what to make of it.
Emily is just an old lady.
Thats why you should talk to her. Age gives you wisdom and unlike everyone else she chooses to live closer to the dead and so she has their wisdoms as well. Here have some breakfast. Ina handed Jardy a lichen cake. Now go on while Emily still has the energy to deal with you. She gave him a push toward the door and returned to the hearth to make more cakes.
Jardy stood on the ledge outside and ate his cake. There was a chill in the air but Jardy knew better than to go back inside for something warmer. He swallowed the last bite of cake and started down the ladder. He descended the ladder his hands and feet familiar with the rough rope. He reached the next cliff ledge and waved to Pena, who was sweeping out her house. He descended the second ladder and then a third. He reached the last cliff ledge.
It was darker here. The wind carrying the voices of the dead was stronger. He wished he gotten something with sleeves. He didnt like to feel the dead. He walked to the end of the ledge passing the ladder that went to the place where they released the dead to the deep. Jardy stopped in front of Emilys door. Light was seeping from underneath. He knocked on the door and waited. The wind blew and the dead left goose bumps on his skin. Omenanay answered the door. He was surprised to see her but said nothing and came inside.
It was warm but drafty where the wind came through the cracks in the window and door. Emily hobbled over on her cane. She grabbed his face and stared into his eyes. Her touch and gaze made Jardy uncomfortable and he was glad when she let him go. Omenanay gave him a stool and he sat down.
The dead are loud today. Emily made her way closer to the hearth and sat down. The season of the dead is here.
Emily, my mother-
I know boy. She interrupted him. You and the girl both have the vision. Didnt think I knew did you. The dead speak to me. Every year they want me to join them in the depths of the rift.
Jardy and Omenanay looked at each other scared their eyes grew large with fright. It was said that Emily lived in the depths to speak to the dead but they thought it was just rumor. Emily watched them and cackled.
I do not speak to the dead. That is but the wind and harms no one. Other people visit me besides scared children. Now tell me your dreams.
But if its just the wind why do you let them believe you are talking to the dead? Omenanay asked.
Who am I to tell people what to believe? It is not my place.
The wind carries the voice of the dead. When you get goose bumps thats when you know the dead touched you. Thats what my father told me. Jardy said.
Yes well people must believe their loved ones live beyond this life. Now tell me what you saw. Both your parents say you are having strange dreams and visions. I have seen many strange things in my life perhaps I can help you figure it out.
Omenanay started perched on her seat. Sometimes when Im asleep I see this place. Its flat and yellow. Grasses are waving in the breeze. In the distance are trees. I dont know how I know that they are trees. I just do. The trees are everywhere. There was such a feeling of calm and serenity. Where is it? Ive never seen anywhere like it? Omenanay looked at Emily and waited.
What do you see in your dreams Jardy?
Jardy closed his eyes and tried to bring back the images in his head. The dream came back stronger than before. It was as if he was there this time. It startled him and he opened his eyes.
What did you see? Omenanay asked. She was leaning forward staring at Jardy. You about jumped off your chair.
I felt like I was there this time. There were lots of people everywhere, more than here. They were all going somewhere. There wasnt any grass, leaves, or lichen anywhere.
He sat up straighter and closed his eyes again. There were skyscrapers. People were in them. They were made of glass and went way above my head. He looked at Emily. Its like with Omenanay. I dont know how I know the words. I just do. So what do you make of it? Youre supposed to know. You listen to the dead.
Omenanay looked at Emily. They both sat waiting for Emily to say something.
Its Terra. Its Terra youre dreaming of. Emily pointed at Omenanay. You were dreaming of a forest. I havent seen a tree much less a forest since I came here. Trees dont exist here. I was six when I left Terra. You Jardy saw a city. There was so much to do in the cities. She looked at the two young people. Her eyes were burning with intensity and liveliness neither has seen before. It scared them to no end and they got up to leave. They were afraid of what she would say next.
Its a sign Jardy for you and Omenanay. Its a sign that you should go back to Terra. We were never meant for this planet. You must return home for me, for all the innocents who were sent here and probably still arriving.
Jardy and Omenanay looked at each other and sat back down. Jardy put more fuel on the dying fire. The wind was howling outside. The dead wanted them to stay there.
You dont know people are still coming, do you Emily? Omenanay asked. How do you know for sure?
Your vision girl and yours too boy. Why else would you be getting the dreams?
We wouldnt know where to go Emily. What if we got lost or killed by other people or starved to death? Jardy asked.
Other people? Omenanay asked.
There are stories of people living on the surface away from their dead. Sometimes the planters have seen them. Other times they leave their dead for us to take care of. Remember two years ago when Meard and Scylla found the dead body on their ledge one morning? The dead man wasnt one of ours.
Youre right. All or any of those things could happen. Both of you must think it over. Emily looked both children in the eyes. This was meant to happen otherwise you would not have the dreams. I cant make you go. Im too old to go myself, otherwise I would. Just remember we arent meant to be here. Some of us should attempt to return. Now leave and think on it. Youre parents need you now. Come back when you have decided.
The two children left, climbing the ladders and returning home. They met when they could and talked about Emily, leaving, and the dreams they continued to have each night. During the autumn they got little opportunity to speak with each other. Harvest was upon them. Every day Jardy was in the fields harvesting and Omenanay was busy storing and putting it away for the long winter. The dreams became worse and more vivid. They got little sleep. They got little sleep. But winter was long and dangerous. It belonged to the dead. It was not a time to travel to parts unknown. The dead will take you at every opportunity. It was best not to tempt them, they were told.
All the long, freezing winter after harvest Jardy and Omenanay argued back and forth on staying or leaving. The dreams have now become frightening, forests burning without end and people killing each other for no apparent reason. Their arguments became heated.
Who wants to go where people are killing each other all the time and burning down everything in sight? Omenanay asked.
Well, Im tired of having these dreams. I cant sleep anymore. If we go the dreams will stop and well have peace of mind. Jardy answered.
How do you know that? Who wants peace of mind when all youll have is the dead whispering in your ear and leaving you cold to the touch, waiting for you to join them.
If I join them Ill at least get some sleep.
Omenanay stopped her retort surprised at what she heard. Everyone else who had become used their bickering and arguments stopped as well. The room was silent except the wailing of the dead outside.
I cant sleep at all anymore. The dreams keep me awake never allowing me any rest. I would rather go into parts unknown than stay here in torment.
Omenanay sat in silence. You cant go alone. She said. What if you got hurt? What would happen then?
I was hoping you would go with me. I know you arent getting any rest either. I can see it on your face. Maybe if we just find the ships the dreams will end and we can come home. Anything has to be better than this sleepless torment.
Alright, Ill go. I cant concentrate anyway and like you said maybe seeing the ships will be enough.
