Read Online Ascent of the Aliomenti by Alex Albrinck - Free Book Online Page B

him that he might need to work out the formula for immortality on his own. Must he, too, eat of this fruit in order to ensure he lived long enough to see the now-immortal Hope safely to the twenty-first century? And if so, why hadn’t the diary mentioned that detail, before he potentially aged and died in standard fashion?
    Eva studied the woman carefully. “You speak the truth, but not all of it. There is more, and it is something you do not wish to tell us. This woman must understand what it is she has unknowingly undertaken. And the two of us must understand also.” She motioned to indicate that she was referring to Will as well.
    The woman turned her gaze from Eva back to Hope. “This immortality comes with a dear price, young woman. The price is simply this: whoever eats this fruit, male or female, can never bring a child into this world. The fruit prevents it, without fail, forever.”
    The jaws of the trio fell open simultaneously, and Will felt a profound sense of failure. It was his mission to ensure that Hope survived to the twenty-first century because she must give birth to their children. If this fruit rendered her immortal, then she would live long enough to do so. But if it rendered her sterile... her immortality was irrelevant.
    Hope’s face betrayed her own deep sense of failure, as she, like Will, recognized the precariousness of the mission to ensure the future birth of their children. “I do not wish this gift if the price is so high. I am young, and wish to one day bear children. How can I reverse the effects of this plant? I accept that I will no longer be immortal.”
    The woman shook her head. “Once eaten, the effects cannot be undone. The fruit does not negotiate. If you eat the fruit, it will convey those changes upon you, regardless of your desire to be without one or the other of those changes. Many have sought immortality without sterility; others would go childless but have no interest in living longer than their brethren. In spite of what is desired, the results conveyed cannot be separated or reversed.”
    Hope’s face clouded, and her tears burst forth.
    Will turned on his heel and marched out of the hut, ignoring the shouts from the woman, demanding that he return. He found one of the fruit-bearing trees, snatched several pieced of fruit from the branches, pocketed all but one, and returned to the hut.
    “Where did you go?” The woman stood at the doorway, waiting for him. He could hear Hope crying inside, and the muted voice of Eva attempting to provide comfort.
    “She will not undergo this trial alone,” Will replied. He entered the hut with the piece of fruit in hand, and Hope raised her tear-filled eyes to him. He put the fruit to his mouth.
    “No!” she screamed. “Not you, too!” She leaped to her feet and attempted to seize the fruit from him, but he’d already bitten into the succulent flesh.
    He found the fruit to possess an incredible taste, a deep, sweet flavor that could become quite addictive. He took another bite, ignoring the looks of horror on Hope’s face.
    He finished chewing, swallowed, and returned her gaze. “I cannot fulfill my mission if I cannot be with you until that mission ends,” he said. The words had deep meaning for Hope, and provided a seemingly-noble sentiment to Eva and the strange woman.
    The woman looked at him, and he sensed her deep respect for him. “You speak with great nobility, sir. This woman could suffer far worse eternal companionship.”
    “Who are you?” Eva asked. “What is this place?”
    “This place has no official name for it needs none. Those who live here do not leave; those who do not have no knowledge of its existence, and there is thus no need for a name to be used by others. As for me, my name is Aina. What might you be called?”
    “I am called Eva. My companions are Will and Hope.”
    The woman nodded, thoughtful. “It is wise to have companions such as those at all times.”
    Will narrowed his gaze. “You