Prologue

It’s been years since your world died out and your kind didn’t survive because you weren’t smart enough. You weren’t clever enough to realize that you were destroying yourselves. It’s quite sad but something that my people don’t care to think about often. There’s no reason we should. Your people are gone and buried. Mine are alive and thriving in the new world.

 

I was born just after your world died. My name is Mercy Countess. I was born on March 13th, 2015 at midnight. I was given this name so that the lord would have mercy on my soul. Now, I’m seventeen years old in the year 2032. It’s February. I’m due for my Test in less than a month. It’s then that I will be tattooed on my forearm with an S for Superior that runs in my family, or an I for Inferior. If that’s the case, I will be kicked out of my district and forced to hard labor, otherwise known as the “Old Ways” for the rest of my life.

Chapter 1

 

“Mercy, get your coat. The transport will be here any minute. Where’s Kaylie?”

 

I pushed my chair back and stood up. “She’s probably still asleep. You know she doesn’t fancy the Educational Institution much.”

 

Mother rolled her eyes. “I don’t care. And neither does the Educational Director. Oh sweet Savior, if we’re late again–”

 

“They’re not going to be late, Mom.” Gavin interjected while reading the paper.

 

Mother glared at him. “You don’t know that, Gavin.”

 

“Yes I do. I have a car and a license, need I remind you.” Gavin shot back.

 

I pursed my lips to stifle a smile. My brother was such a spitfire sometimes. It drove our parents crazy but never failed to amuse me. It was one of the reasons why I loved my smart mouthed and quick witted brother so much.

 

“I will not have you driving your sisters to the Educational Institution. I don’t trust your driving.” Mother retorted.

 

Gavin’s lip curled in defiance and I coughed to hide a laugh this time.

 

“Did the Transport pass yet?” Kaylie asked as she sauntered down the stairs.

 

“Kaylie”, Mom said slowly. “What in the world are you thinking? We do not have time for this! The Transport–”

 

“Hasn’t arrived yet.” Gavin cut in again. His eyes were still on the paper but I could tell he wasn’t really paying attention to it.

 

“So you made it just in time.” He said, smiling arrogantly at Mom.

 

“Oh for the love of Savior, just go.” Mom sighed in exasperation and waved us away.

 

Gavin hopped off his chair and walked over to Kaylie. He squinted at her while observing her appearance then ruffled her curly blonde hair. She shrieked in upset, her hands flying to cover her head. I knew he just did that to annoy her and I laughed. I would’ve done the same thing.

 

“Why would you do that? Now I have to go fix it.” She went to rush up the stairs but Gavin grabbed the strap of her bag which held her in place.

 

“Oh no you don’t. ‘Wouldn’t want to be late to the Educational Institution darlings. Now, let’s go.’” He mimicked Mom in a high pitched voice.

 

Kaylie giggled, momentarily forgetting about her hair and I smiled, rolling my eyes.

 

Gavin snatched up his keys and opened the door in a single stride, stepping out as we followed him.

 

“Later.” He called to our Mom and closed the door.

 

“You’re such an asshole.” I teased and nudged his shoulder.

 

He shrugged nonchalantly. “And?”

 

I chuckled while shaking my head. “Nothing.”

Chapter 2

 

What Mom didn’t know was that I drove to school every day with my closest friend Colt who comes from the Grayson family; a long line of Superior members of The Society just like my family.

 

Gavin drove himself to school every day and Kaylie took the Transport since she was too young to drive yet. Kaylie promised not to tell Mother on us if she received half of mine and half of Gavin’s Holiday money from our grandparents last year to invest in new hair care products. Our family could afford the finest of luxuries known for clothing, electronics, and any other non-necessity we desired. It wasn’t like that for even the highest class of Superior but I’ll get to that later.

 

“Welcome to your taxi service.” Colt greeted me when I got in his car.

 

I made a funny face at him. “Oh please. Where did you read about that term?”

 

“History of Transportation. You wouldn’t believe how odd things were decades ago. People travelled on these large metal things resembling the Transport, but they called them buses. Can you imagine?” Colt mused in fascination.

 

He had such an interest in the Old Ways that I always joked with him that he should become an Educator after his Test. It was ludicrous of course. Colt was destined to follow in the Grayson family footsteps and become a city Lawman just like those before him. That is, if he Tested Superior. I never had any doubt about it, but everyone gets a bit nervous and wonders about their status just before the time of their Test. It’s completely normal however I feel I’ve been thinking about it too much lately.

 

“Mercy? Mercy are you in there?” Colt took my hand which pulled me out of my thoughts. I jumped in surprise and when I turned to him there was a hint of concern in his blue eyes.

 

“Are you alright?” He asked.

 

“Oh, yes I’m fine.” I nodded. “Just thinking is all.”

 

Colt smiled softly and turned his attention back on the road. “I understand you’re nervous about your Test but you and I both know that you have no reason to be. You’re a Countess, Superiority runs in your blood.”

 

I knew his endearment meant to be kind and reassuring but all it did was make me feel queasier.

 

“I should say the same for you. You come from the Grayson family, what’s reason to be nervous about your Test?” I wondered.

 

He shrugged. “I don’t have much reason to be, but it’s only normal don’t you think?”

 

“I suppose.” I admitted, picking at one of my perfectly done cuticles.

 

“You’ll do fine.” He said again. “Better than fine, I’m sure of it.”

 

There was no way to tell the future of my Test or of Colt’s. I knew one thing was for sure that there was no way to prepare for it. All there was to do was be the best you can be and hope for the outcome you want in the end.

Impressum

Tag der Veröffentlichung: 10.11.2015

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Lois Lowry, author of "The Giver". Will always be my most favorite book I've ever read.