Robinson Crusoe 2244 Read Online Free

nature should share no culpability,” Taskmaster said, seemingly to himself. “And the last. The Eighth Law?”
    “The Eighth Law denounces technology and all of its pervasive forms.”
    “For invention is the lowest form of magic. It is easier to take a thousand lives with a button than a single one with a blade. Wouldn’t you agree?”
    “I wouldn’t know,” Robinson said honestly.
    “Hmm. I had heard somewhere that you enjoy to tinker.”
    “Only when the Feed in my room is acting up, Taskmaster.”
    Robinson’s point was obvious. How can we claim to honor the Eight when things like electricity, flyers, and the Feed were being used more and more?
    “Citizen Crusoe has answered five questions successfully, albeit it softballs, every one.”
    “Softballs?” someone asked.
    Taskmaster Satu waved her off. “Does anyone have a question that might challenge this truant fellow?”
    Several hands went up, but none of them gave Robinson any worry. It was only when Jaras Saah’s hand went up that a nagging doubt pricked at him.
    “Citizen Saah.”
    Jaras stood. He was the tallest boy in the class, behind Slink, but despite his proper attire and handsome looks, his veins pumped only cruel blood.
    “How many beds are there in the gaoler’s cell of the Tower Keep?”
    And in that instant, Robinson’s heart ceased to beat.

Chapter Five
A White Dress

     
     
    He’d been ambushed.
    Jaras knew Robinson had been caught scaling the Tower Keep that morning and had shared the news with Taskmaster Satu. If he admitted to the act, he would be forced to go before the Tier of Civil Obedience, Tessa and Jaras’s father. If he lied and was exposed, his punishment would be much worse. He gave the only answer he could.
    “I’m afraid I can’t answer the question,” he muttered.
    “Do you mean to say you don’t know how many beds are in the Tower Keep?”
    “I just can’t answer the question.”
    “That is unfortunate,” Taskmaster Satu said before calling Robinson to the front of the room.
    He tried not to let his knees shake as he peeled back his shirt cuffs again and exposed forearms that were white and toneless.
    “Citizen Crusoe, the punishment for your transgressions is six lashes. Do you have anything to say?”
    Robinson swallowed but shook his head. In the back, Jaras grinned.
    Taskmaster Satu raised the whip high and brought it down hard against Robinson’s naked flesh. The sound was enough to make most students wince.
    Crack!
    With the second whip, two angry red welts ballooned on Robinson’s arms and sweat tickled his scalp.
    Crack!
    The pain was so intense that even the simple act of curling his fingers sent needles shooting throughout his body. A tear coursed down his cheek.
    Crack!
    When the fourth strike buckled his knees, many students looked away. The fifth drew sobs. Robinson would not look away. Eventually, he locked eyes with Slink. A single nod was enough to buoy his spirits. He could cry no more.
    “Are we done?” Robinson asked after the final lash, his voice oddly steady.
    Taskmaster Satu nodded minutely.
    For the rest of the class, Robinson sat in silence. When the final bell rang, the pall immediately dispersed and chatter erupted as students spilled from the room.
    “Citizen Crusoe,” Taskmaster Satu called, “a moment please.”
    Jaras Saah paused, but eventually filed out too. Slink was the last to go.
    “Do you know what your problem is, Crusoe?” His voice was weary. “Your problem is that you spend every waking moment trying to be clever. Ignorance is a terrible misfortune, but cleverness without wisdom is a far greater evil.”
    “Is that a quote?”
    “Consider it a gift. To remember our time together.”
    “I have a feeling you, Ser, will reflect more fondly upon these days than me.”
    “I wouldn’t be so sure. Youth is the carrot before the stick. In my classroom, you have tasted both. There may come a time out there when you realize I’ve taught you more than you