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| The Return 7A: At the Obelisk |
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It was almost dark as Luke and Sledge crested the hill, approaching once again the Obelisk and its two Nuts. The orange light of the setting sun cast long shadows and eerie shapes that made Luke feel like he was moving through a dream. He knew in many ways that he actually was.
But conversations with Sledge were not easy. They had communicated little after leaving Phredy’s Pub. In a way, that made sense to Luke. Jackov had wanted him to find Sledge and bring him here. And even though Sledge had found him, the mission still was accomplished. What else was there to say?
Yet, Luke had needed more. At first he had just chatted nervously, trying to make some light conversation with his strange companion. Nothing. Sledge remained stoically and maddeningly silent.
Eventually Luke had asked simply, “What is this about?” That generated a response.
“You will know,” Sledge had answered, again with more thought than sound.
Pleased that something at last had emerged, but still unsatisfied, Luke had muttered, “Great. All I know is that this is crazy.”
“No. There is purpose.”
“Purpose? How can I learn any purpose if you don’t say anything?”
“It is,” Sledge had paused. “Our code.”
“Code.”
“Code of the Legion. We communicate only what is necessary.”
“Legion?”
“Of the Black Arrow.”
“Ah, yes. The badge on your cloak.” And sensing perhaps an opening, Luke added, “And apparently on my transporter.”
“Yes.”
Now we’re getting somewhere, Luke had thought. He blurted, “So, why did that have to happen? And tell me about this Legion. Who are you? What does it do?”
But Sledge lapsed once again into silence. Left to his thoughts, Luke’s mind began to wander. A memory returned: as a Whisperer long ago on Teutonica, he and his fellow worshipers had worn a pure white cloak. To him it was only something to discard quickly as they plunged into their thoroughly enjoyable ceremonies. But to their leaders, the white cloak supposedly had marked a Great Moral Counterpoint to a vague group they feared who wore black cloaks. They were just words, though: it had meant nothing to Luke at the time.
Luke had looked at Sledge again. Could there be a connection between this odd character and the Whisperers he used to know, and maybe even Jackov? Nah, impossible. Still …
Outside the Left Nut Luke fumbled with the card to open the doors. Almost absently he demanded of the still very silent Sledge, “Why do you need me for this? Can’t you get in by yourself?”
“We must be invited.”
Startled that he had evoked a response, Luke turned toward Sledge. “Invited,” he repeated.
“It is our code.”
“Your code. Again?”
“You operate this place. We are not allowed to enter without your invitation.”
“You can’t just break in?”
“We are of the Black Arrow. It is our …”
“Code. Yes, I get it.”
