On my way to the island for an undetermined sentence, the guards were kind, having been instructed by the council to treat me well. There are a few things I remember from that trip of many days. Not the least of which was spending time in an automobile.
The land rolled by at a terrible rate. The trees were no longer trees, but a slow green blur.The sky above them seemed pressed behind glass.
The guards were amused at my shaking, though they laughed even harder when it went away, because then I played as a child might play, sticking my head out the window, feeling the wind on my face and hands.
One of the guards was more friendly than the rest. I talked to him often, and I remember some of the things he said:
“You're a lucky one, you are.
Not everyone banished makes it to the island alive.”
I asked him if they become ill, or just what happens. He said:
“Let's just say the council isn't always so generous. The rumor is, your interviewer stood up for you. That is unusual to say the least. Generally, he stays silent.”
I told him that a silence like that must not be easy, and the guard smiled a smile I did not want to understand.
I asked the guard how he had come by his work, and how he found life in the City. He said:
“Everyone in the City is given a test. That test determines what you are suited to do. It was determined that I was good at driving and taking orders. At the right time I was given the position I have now.”
“All in the city are required to work, except those who are incapable at birth or by accident.These are excused, and become the source of work for others.”
I said it must be good to be recognized for one’s talents.
He said, “ I am recognized for these things, and these things alone.”
Before we reached the island, the guards began to smile and chuckle among themselves. Then they asked me if I would like to drive.
I replied “Yes!” quickly and smiled widely in return. They put me behind the wheel and told me what to do, reminding me not to hit anything. The road was empty, so I wasn't worried. We had not seen a single car since we left the city. I drove for nearly an hour, as the guards laughed and made jokes. It was at this point I understood the appeal of city life.
Before we reached the bridge that would take us to the island, I turned the car over to my friend. At the gate I was given to a new set of guards. My friends wished me well in my new home. I wished them well also and turned to go.