Kora (Kora Series Book 1)
an official title of course, because we don’t have royalty. But the high master’s children are often referred to as princes and princesses anyway. The high master of Central Settlement is the top authority in our land.Gabriel stops directly in front of me, eyeing me over. I hold my breath, verging on panic, having no idea how to behave. Should I look him in the eye or continue staring into the ground? Should I straighten my back or slouch even further? Exude confidence or submissiveness? Strength or obedience? What does he want from me? If only I knew, I could pretend to be almost anything.
“How old is this one?” Gabriel asks Dimitri standing beside him. He has a pleasant, calm voice.
“Almost seventeen.”
“Is she obedient?”
“I never had any trouble with her,” my master lies. “She can read and write. A very smart girl.”
“I don’t really care how much brains she possesses,” Gabriel cuts him off, irritated. “Take off your dress,” he directs me.
I awkwardly pull off my dress, now wearing only my underwear. Dimitri looks away, obviously embarrassed. Gabriel kneels in front of me and firmly touches my thigh. I involuntarily tighten my muscles. I stand motionless, fighting back panic. I want to scream and run, so instead I press my lips tightly together and remain silent.
“Strong legs,” Gabriel comments. He rises slowly to his feet and looks right into my eyes. “Can you run fast?”
Still shaken by his examination, I don’t comprehend his words. “What?”
“Are you deaf, girl?” he asks, his voice angry. “Do you not understand what I’m asking?”
“Yes,” I utter, forgetting to call him master. “Yes, master,” I add.
“Then answer my question. Can you run fast?”
“Yes, master.” I nod. “I’m very fast.”
“Well, we’re going to find out.” He smiles. “Follow me.”
I step out of the line, and begin putting my dress back on.
“No!” Gabriel stops me. “And take off your shoes.”
I hurriedly execute his harsh command, wondering what is coming next. What is he about to make me do? Why can’t I dress?
He steps in front of Trent, assessing him.
“How old is he?” Gabriel asks.
“Eighteen, master,” Dimitri reports.
Gabriel orders Trent to remove his shoes and shirt, and directs him to follow. He next selects Samantha along with a few other male and female servants. He orders the selected to form a new line. Half-naked and silent, we wait patiently for his following command, avoiding directly looking at each other. I feel overwhelmingly exposed and defenseless. The desire to flee and return to my small dark shack increases. It feels like everything happening here has been a big mistake and nothing good will come out of my idea to take part in this Exchange.
Gabriel holds a white handkerchief over his nose, disgusted by the stench coming from the Field. He introduces himself, explaining that today we have a precious opportunity to become his servants.
“I’m looking for strong runners,” he says. “The servants who prove themselves worthy will live in Central Settlement and train to become my racers.”
Racers? I’ve never heard anything about racers. But I suppose being a racer has to be better than being a picker. I can’t imagine anything worse than digging through filth and garbage.
“I want you to run circles around the square,” Gabriel says. We all stand unmoving, looking at him hesitantly. My pulse quickens, making me dizzy. “What are you waiting for?!” he shouts. “Go!”
I take off, running lightly and trying to keep my breathing steady. I’m quite overwhelmed by everything that’s happening, and have to force myself to focus on my pace. I decide I shouldn’t run too fast because it could quickly wear me down. And I have no idea for how long or far we’ll have to run. Trent jogs beside me, breathing heavily. Samantha moves ahead, but soon tires and falls back. The hard ground hurts my bare feet.
“Faster!” Gabriel commands. “Come on now! Show me what you’ve got.”
I increase my speed. My lungs begin to burn. I run faster than my usual comfortable pace, every muscle aching. I distract myself by thinking about my future life in Central Settlement. I concentrate on thoughts of the bright hot sun, ocean and exotic palm trees. A dozen servants still run ahead of me and I can hear their ragged breaths and heavy footsteps. Somebody coughs and drops to the ground.
“Faster!” Gabriel demands.
I believe I can’t run any faster but somehow manage to again increase my pace. My lungs seem to be on fire. I’m completely out of breath and my head is spinning. Catching air with my open mouth, I overtake a few more servants. I hear Samantha following behind, now letting out anguished groans. Trent is a few feet ahead and I try to keep pace with him.
“Faster!” Gabriel repeats.
He makes us run around the square for what seems like an eternity. I can’t think about my future anymore. I forget about life in Central Settlement. I don’t want to become a racer or leave my home. The only thing I want at the moment is to fall down and breathe deeply, just stop running and relax. This is torturous. I hate Gabriel for making us run like this. I hate myself for taking part in this stupid Exchange. But in spite of my weakness and despair, I continue running.
“Enough,” Gabriel says finally.
I stop, bending over and gasping for air. Everything swirls in front of my eyes and I somehow wind up on my hands and knees. I suck in air like a fish out of water. Sweat drips from my face and neck.
“Are you all right?” Trent asks, kneeling down beside me.
I nod, although I’m far from all right.
Gabriel approaches, a sweet smile spread across his perfect face.
“You two,” he motions toward us, “and you,” pointing toward Samantha still sitting on