share. Twenty percent of your belongings go to the community and stay here to support the community. It must be given willingly, not taken. Though there are more ways to pay than physical possessions. You can also trade in skills, knowledge, or services. Do you accept?”
I looked back at my comrades. We had very little other than the clothes on our backs, and they’d already taken our weapons.
“We accept,” I nodded.
“Then, there are three ordeals, which you must pass. Each challenge will reveal one of our values, but we will not share it unless you pass.”
“We’re not here to play games,” Trevor said.
“This is non-negotiable.”
“Can’t I just vouch for them?” Luke said. “You know me. I trust them.”
“You may vouch for one of them. If they break the rules, your life would be forfeit. A life for a life. But you cannot vouch for all of them, because justice must be swift, and the debt must be paid.”
“Fine,” I said. “What do we have to do?”
“First, we cannot have any addicts. Users or abusers cannot be trusted. The first test is of willpower and self-reliance.”
He took a vial of elixir out from a thin case in his pocket, and held it up. The shiny blue liquid sparkled in the light. I wondered where he got it, or if they brewed it themselves from whatever dead elite were adorning his makeshift outdoor theater.
“The elixir is to be used in emergencies or in battle. Never for enjoyment, to fill a need. You must be able to resist the thirst that drives all men mad.”
The guards pushed us into a line and Sam walked down from his stage slowly, uncorking the glass vial. I tensed when he passed me. My body’s reaction was stronger than I expected, just from the scent of the elixir.
My throat was dry, and all my aches and pains suddenly intensified, like I could feel my bones grinding together. I was sure my pupils were wider than usual; it suddenly seemed far too bright.
But I stood still, ignoring the bead of sweat dripping down my cheek, staring straight ahead until the vial passed me. He looked curiously at Penelope, before putting the vial away. Instead, he took out a knife and cut his own palm, squeezing his fist in front of Penelope’s face and letting the blood drip. My mind raced, thinking about when she’d last eaten.
Her last proper meal must have been the rebel in Sezomp. Since then she’d only had a little from us, her travel companions, and what I’d given her earlier. I knew it was just a snack and not as much as she needed. Her skin was pale and I saw her lips tremble, but she kept her arms crossed rigidly.
“Good,” Sam nodded finally. “You’ve passed the first test, the test of Mind. No addiction, only conviction. You will be responsible for your elite guest. One of you must feed her, make sure she never gets thirsty enough to lose control.”
“I promise,” I said, stepping forward.
“Then let us move to the second ordeal.” The crowd shifted around us, retreating to let us pass as we followed Sam to an area just inside the fence. Above us, a series of rope ladders led to lookout platforms in the trees.
Here on the edge of town, a long straight path of black ash led towards a large flat boulder. Fires in the camp were quickly smothered, leaving the hot embers for warmth and cooking, but never allowing the open flames to leap free.
Men, in round helmets and fur vests shoveled hot ash from a nearby kiln and spread it out evenly along the dark path. It hissed against the wet ground.
“What is this?” I asked, my skin prickling in the sudden heat.
“The second trial,” Sam said. “Those who have grown up under the compounds, have learned to avoid pain, but that makes you weak; hopeful for your next renewal ceremony, thirsty for the elixir to ease your suffering. But pain is a gift, it’s what makes us human. This must be acknowledged and embraced.” He gestured down the scorching path towards the rock.
“Will it hurt?” I ask.
“Yes,” he said. “Tonight you will feel the pain and reflect on its messages. There will be no healing, no cheating with elixir, or elite blood. But you will survive.”
Luke was pressing his mouth together in a thin line, but he shrugged at me. He didn’t like this either, but it was out of his hands.
“If they think growing up in