“Miss Mahrree?”
She looked around and, judging by the concerned looks on her students’ faces, realized that she had been lost in her own thoughts for probably a bit too long. A common occurrence for her.
“I’m sorry, what?”
“Teeria just asked you,” Hitty said with a smirk, “Isn’t that the job of the government—to tell us what is the truth?”
This was her test, as a teacher. Yes, there were many influences in the lives of these girls, but none so powerful as the one standing in front of them in that classroom. Even an administrator would struggle to have a greater effect on the girls than Mahrree would have right now. They looked at her for her opinion and most importantly, her approval.
And she had to treat such moments so carefully. It would be arrogant to believe that every day the girls hung on her every word, but at moments like this, when the debate had steered itself into a question that could someday affect the future of each student, Mahrree knew that in a very real way, she controlled the world.
At least, she controlled the way her students would see it.
She knew the answer the Administrators would want her to give. Of course the government exists to give you the truth! And the sky is blue. Always! Trust us!
She also knew the answer the Creator would want her to give, and it was His approval she was more concerned about.
Mahrree slowly smiled before she began to recite, “‘Test all things, as we are tested. Try all things, to discover the truths for yourself.’”
She could feel the tension in the room drain away as she continued to recite the words of The Writings. “‘The truth of all things will manifest themselves to those who sincerely want to know.’”
Her students smiled and visibly relaxed. They could always count on her to quote The Writings.
“Miss Mahrree,” Hitty began soberly, tossing her braid with much less energy, “I was just wondering—we know what the kings have done, but have the Administrators executed anyone?”
A new wave of anxiousness filled the room.
“In the past two years, not that I’ve heard of, Hitty,” Mahrree said with a reassuring smile. “Let’s pray it always stays that way.”
“The captain would never execute anyone,” Sareen giggled nervously. “Would he, Miss Mahrree? I heard he claimed he was never part of a killing squad.”
“But he would kill a Guarder, right?” Teeria said gravely.
Mahrree shrugged again. “You’d have to ask him. But I don’t know why else he’s here.”
The girls covered their mouths and snickered at the idea of speaking to the captain. Mahrree groaned at their sudden return to silliness.
“Why don’t you ask him, Miss Mahrree?” another girl suggested. “At the next debate!”
A lump appeared in her throat. She hadn’t mentioned anything about another debate, but apparently they already knew.
“If it comes up, I’ll try to remember to ask. Back to the Guarders.” She cleared her throat, grateful for diversion from the captain. “For years the villages on the outer rim of the world dealt with raids for goods, livestock, and occasionally people. Sands and Grasses in the west, and Trades in the southwest seemed to take the brunt of the attacks. Only occasionally would Guarders venture into Moorland or Edge. Our villages are much smaller and aren’t as wealthy. The Army of Idumea fought those raids and killed many of the Guarders, but never eradicated all of them. The Guarders always raided at night, wore black clothing, and smeared soot or oil on their faces to keep themselves concealed. The last time any Guarders raided here was maybe thirty years ago, although there have been rumors that someone was seen lurking in the forest. It seemed that every time a new king came to power, the Guarders came to test his power. Once pushed back, the Guarders retreated back to the forests. That’s why the forests are off-limits. Only fools would dare venture into them. If the poisonous gasses, bottomless crevices, and hot water doesn’t kill the stupidly curious, Guarders will.”
“So why are the Guarders coming back now, Miss Mahrree?” Hitty asked again.
Mahrree sighed. “I can only guess they’re testing the strength of the world. Remember, the Guarders now are descendants of the original 2,000 that left. All they know is that a king forced their ancestors away. I assume they came to take revenge each time one of the king’s sons or descendants took the throne. They may not even know the last descendent was deposed two years ago. How they know anything about us, I couldn’t begin to guess.”
One quiet girl with doe-like eyes, and a nervous demeanor to accompany it, timidly raised her hand. “Miss Mahrree?” she squeaked, “I think they’re already back. My good stockings went missing from the line three days ago.”