Do you think," Mara whispered one afternoon, that the council is afraid of us? Afraid of us as how? I looked at her, of what we might find or remember of the truth. I closed my book because whatever she just spouted is alarming because if whatever she said is true that explains the rules of not speaking and asking questions. After class they left school strolling home when Mara stopped, looking at her surroundings. Why are you acting as if you stole something Mara? Shush Adele she took a folded page from her bag and snuck it into Adele's hand. "Read this at home. And burn it after."
Then Mara rushed home, Adele watched her mysterious friend shake her head and started walking home. Before she knew it she hastened her steps, then all of a sudden she started running till she reached her house.
Adele waited until she was alone in her tiny room. When she unfolded the page, her heart skipped — it wasn't a note. It was a piece of an old text, torn and yellowed some parts looks like something burnt
"Before the silence, the women spoke of stars, of laws, of peace… They built the first codes of truth."
Her breath caught her throat. She closed the paper as if someone caught her reading a love letter. She threw the paper in her mouth then ate it because if she dared to burn it it would be suspicious. She laid on her bed staring at the ceiling. Thinking what if those burnt books were not completely burnt that some fragments are hidden in some places that won't be noticeable but where she asked herself biting her thumb finger.
If we can find if it is just a little fragment and show the ladies, girls, women any female gender it will raise an army of… No raising an army is considered heretic. Maybe a secret society. Adele continued mumbling to herself till she slept off.
The next day was unusually sunny and a little bit mature because she found out things she grew up to see and find weren't the way things normally are .
She went to the kitchen to greet her mom, good morning mommy good morning my little rebellion how was your night? Just there I replied "taking my normal spot on the Island "Really no dreams about freedom she voiced out slowly. Ha! Jokes on you I unveiled a big secret yesterday I told her smiling victorious. She looked at me trying to break or find something. She dropped the sponge then sat near the island close to me. What did you discover? A fragment of Late Miss Lira Thane I told her she looked at me surprised at what did it say she asked, something about women speaking about stars, laws and peace. But I know it means we were not as quiet as we are now. I concluded she looked at me and she wanted to say something then a voice interrupted us. Are you guys planning an heretic? my father said angrily from the kitchen door. My mum rushed up facing her eyes to the ground ooh no my husband we were planning what food we need to prepare we were this close so that we won't disturb you my mother explained, his gaze left her to mine staring at me, his he expecting me to lower my gaze or what I questioned myself he removed his gaze teach your daughter manners then he left . What is wrong with him? I asked my mom shhh Adele please you put us in trouble then she faced me again. What did you do to the letter she asked me? I ate it. Mara told me to burn it but I thought it'll raise an alarm so I burnt it. I answered her. Who is Mara? she asked, my friend she was the one that gave it to me – where did she find it ? She asked again. I don't know she didn't leave room for the question she left without explaining anything. My mum heaved a sigh, today is Saturday are you going to her place? Yes mummy in the evening I guess. She rubs her fingers through my hair then packs a handful and smells it . Be careful my daughter, you know I love you and I won't stand if anything happens to you. Yes mummy I replied.
In the evening Adele's mother Mrs Rowan went to the outskirts of the town to an old abandoned building which belonged to an old woman Catherine Pierce killed by the council for heresy.
" I think the children know", Mrs Rowan said quietly, her voice masked with fear.
Across the room, Mrs Kerren Mara's mother lifted her head. " Yes", she admitted, eyes darting to the doors. "Even my daughter came to me yesterday asking about Lira. Mrs Rowan sighed. I think Mrs Lira's story is taught in all schools, at least the council allows it. She was one of the voices that began the Wars of voices. But the version they teach now… it's not the real one, it's changed and twisted.
She looked at Kerren. I think your daughter might have stolen a piece of Lira's burnt book and showed it to my daughter.
Mrs Kerren stiffened. " Mara wouldn't," she said quickly, almost like she was doubting herself. She knew what her daughter is capable of and that she is capable of doing it. Mara is a smart, brave, curious girl so much like her late father. Let's go Mrs Rowan ended the silence is already getting late the night guards are already on patrol, Kate and Glory thanks for coming.
The air outside was heavy, a sign of a heavy downpour. Mrs Rowan stopped Kerren. We need to be very careful for our children. Mrs Kerren nodded and before she could reply.
"Halt!!"
Four guards out of nowhere surrounded them holding spears and chains.
" You stand upon a forbidden ground" One of them said, voice echoing. " This ground belongs to a condemned heretic and by the laws of the council and anyone found around the belongings of an exheretic is guilty of the same crime."
Before the women could defend themselves they were bound like yams with chains. One guard acting like a messenger, ran to the council Chambers to drop the news. Miss Kerren voice came shallow "please it is not what you think"
"Silence" barked another one. Your words won't change anything.