Chapter 13.

As if she had just been electrocuted, Enora stood right on her legs, eyes wide and hands trembling like crazy. She did it ! She had made contact with the Flow ! Not influenced it though, she did not influence anything, but she felt it. And it was … conscious ? Maybe not that far, it did not seem alive or thinking in any way. It was more like getting in contact with something beyond one's understanding, something large, world-size, all-knowing and uncaring. "What am I gonna do now ? Who would believe any of that shit ? I have a hard time believing it myself, and I'm the one who felt it. Maybe …", she thought incoherently while taking a look around.

There she was, the blond girl constantly reading in her corner, under a resplendent feminine statue. She was sleeping as did most people around. Enora just wanted to try the process before going to sleep, and now she realised much time had passed, probably a few hours. Yet it was worth it, since if even half on the book's content were true, then her life would become way easier.

As she thought of all the possibilities, her head began spinning, forcing her to lie down on her makeshift bed. She felt the most exhausted she had ever been since her awakening in this place. Maybe spending so much time actively focusing on something considered difficult was a bit much to begin with. As she fell into a deep sleep, she failed to notice the group of fighters that were coming back from one of the four tunnels connected to the fountain chamber, silently going back to sleep.

…

After her morning ablution on the side of the fountain that was the most private, Enora went back to her things, getting prepared for a possible relocation if Arsenio so decided. As he appeared into his mind, he appeared into her sight, standing high on the edge of the splendid spring. Haughty was nearby, still looking at the plebe like she dominated it. With a wide gesture and dark, serious eyes, he pronounced these words :

- Everyone, the fighters have made a decision., his tone was grave, and firm. The food will soon be lacking, and most other resources aren't in better shape, trust me. We need to reform our system, as it cannot be sustained.

His eyes travelled from face to face, reading apprehension and fear. He mainly looked at the carriers and the 'useless' ones. The message was quite clear, but he still felt the need to clarify as much as necessary for the slowest of them :

- From now on, only the ones actually doing something productive will be given resources. Of course, 'something productive' doesn't mean much, but the fighters are here for that. We will decide what is productive, what is of some help to the survival of the many.

- You can't ! That's just tyranny !, one carrier finally protested.

The remark was legitimate, but reality begged to differ. Yes, the decision was harsh. Yes, the form was imperfect. Yet, what else could be done ? "Choosing a gentler approach won't change the food situation. I'm not sure if letting the fighters be the only judges is a good idea, but it makes no difference to me : I will eat anyway.", thought Enora. As much as she wanted to help the destitute, why would she do it to her own detriment ? "I'm not dying for someone who could actually survive if they did what they had to.".

- Do not be mistaken folks, I am not asking your permission. The measure is needed, and the fighters will decide as we do most of the work to let you all survive another day., continued the fat man. Fairness loses much of its shine when faced with starvation, you dimwits.

His last words achieved what he had planned from the beginning : even though everyone hated it to different degrees, what else could they do ? Rebel ? Whether they won or lost, they would still be on the bad side. Flee ? To where ? And what about the monsters and beast lurking in the darkness, waiting for the next meal to walk by ? Nothing could be done apart from accepting the fate bestowed upon them and doing their best to earn their meals.

Enora looked at the crowd with indifferent eyes, then walked towards the frightened Rose. How could she not be frightened ? Even Enora knew the girl was one of the least useful members of the carriers. Could she even be called that ? Her bag only contained books that only she read. Not many could boast about such uselessness.

Just before she arrived though, she realised the girl was actually talking to some guy. Alex was it ? He wore a victorious smile on his face, his eyes darting around crazily. His voice was low, as he seemed not to want anyone to hear what he was saying, but it did not look like such a friendly conversation judging by the gradual whitening of the blonde's face. Noticing Enora coming near, the man quickly got up, nodded to the girl and left.

- What was that about ?, asked the tanned woman.

- Nothing !, answered the girl, obviously lying through her teeth for some reason.

- … whatever. Look, I have a few questions, do you mind ?, continued Enora with a dismissive tone.

Rose lost all the colours she had managed to regain in those few seconds and appeared ready for the same kind of speech.

- Ask away.

- Well, it has to do with that., said the tall woman while lightly brandishing her red booklet, crouched in front of her interlocutor and only whispering.

The girl's pupils shrank, wearing a momentary incomprehensive look until she recognized the kind of object she was being presented. She quickly looked around, making sure no one was close enough to hear them and said in a concerned voice :

- What do you mean ? What is this book ?

- Don't lie to me girl, I know you have one too, albeit not the same colour, and considering your reaction right now I'd say you also managed the first step.

- Whaaaa …, agape mouth and round eyes, as being found out about that matter was quite surprising. Also ? You did it too ?

- Obviously, but I'm asking the question here, sweet cheeks. I am very interested in matters about those booklets. Clearly, they are more than they appear, and, as I have experienced, following the methods is all the while time consuming and exhausting., explained Enora. So I have an offer : seeing how unproductive you are, I will provide you with enough food every day, and you will share your discoveries of the matter with me. Deal ?

Ten seconds passed during which Rose seemed lost in contemplation. She did not look like someone weighing their options or thinking of counteroffers, but more like someone not believing what they just heard. With moist eyes, she said :

- Yes !