Chapter six

We walked through the streets, casually but quickly. People were going about their daily businesses, each one streaming an hello as we passed. I smiled back, and could feel a return beside me. Everyone was so happy, yet they did not see what I saw. Soon the wall began to tower above the buildings and closer and closer we came. I knew where the gate was, just around this last corner. We stopped. I could see the two men as I strained my head, white garbs flowing freely around them. Who knows what could be hidden under them.

“I think I know how to get us out.” Son was peering through the crook of my arm, smiling a little.

“You do eh?”

He nodded. “Go up to them and say Halis Fael. They’ll let you out.”

I wondered whether he was right, whether his plan would what could set us free. But it was better than I could come up with. “Alright then.”

“Take me arm.” He took my hand and let my clench his arm forcefully.

“Halis Fael,” I repeated softly under my breath. It was all about confidence. With a final utterance, I stepped out, striding up to the men.

“Halis Fael.” I couldn’t tell if my voice shook.

They looked at each other, then at the boy hanging from my hand. They smiled. The door was opened, and for the first time, I saw what was out there.

We left our lives, and stepped into life.