by Kelli Kimble
What was his problem, anyway? Couldn’t he see the city people were going to use him and his brother for their abilities? They were nothing more than pack mules.
My frustration started to cool, and I tried to turn my attention to forming a plan. What could I do to convince him he needed to work with me? What could overrule his fear of what would happen to his family?
I sighed. That was it: Nobody wanted to sell out their family for their own safety. It wasn’t likely Froyd was going to consent to any deal, so long as he felt it endangered his family.
I curled onto my side and closed my eyes, hoping dreams would bring me a better idea in the morning.
◆◆◆
A scream pierced the woods, driving straight into my ear, and I snapped awake. It was dark, and in the cover of the woods, I couldn’t see anything. It repeated, higher and sharper, and in the background, I heard yelling, as well. I jumped out of the log and moved towards the sounds. When I emerged from the woods, the firelight from the camp was all I could see in the distance. I stretched out, feeling mentally for any disturbance.
Oh, crap. Cats.
I rushed forward to the camp and found a cat crouched over the lifeless body of the nameless searcher. It was tearing into his flesh, casually chomping on him like he was eating a bowl of cornflakes. I suppose, for a cat, it was basically a bowl of cornflakes. There were no other cats nearby — though I could sense there were some still in the shadows, just on the other side of the camp.
Froyd! I called out.
The shelter jerked as Froyd made a frantic attempt to open the zipper. I’m here, he said, high-pitched and strained. What the hell is going on out there?
Cats, I said. A cat is eating whoever was sitting at the fire.
A hoarse, unintelligible hollering came from the other tent. They were trying to scare the cat away with loud noises, but from what I could sense around the camp, they were only succeeding in attracting more.
Shut up! I broadcast to all four of them. If you want to survive this, you’d better do exactly as I say.
Froyd finally managed to unzip the shelter flap. He stepped out, his eyes nearly popping out of his sockets when he saw the cat eating what used to be one of his search-mates. Boyd pushed out behind him.
What’ll we do? Rolfe asked as he emerged from the other tent, along with Cole.
No more vocalization, I said. Stay together, right here. There’s more coming.
Cole lifted a shaking hand, and I realized he had a gun. He pointed it at the big cat by the fire.
Don’t, I said. It’s occupied, and the noise will attract more. Just stay put, okay?
You think I’m going to trust you to watch out for us? Rolfe said.
A cat let out a roar somewhere off to my right. Okay, I said, shrugging. You want to do this on your own?
Let’s not be hasty, Cole said. What should we do?
Like I said, just stay put and be quiet.
I checked for the other cats. There were two to the right, the one at the fire, and a cluster of three near the tree line. I was lucky they’d missed my little hollow in the tree.
The cat who’d roared prowled closer, and the men bunched tighter together, Cole clenching the gun and keeping it pointed at the cat.
You’ve had your meal, I said to the cat. Now, go. We don’t want you here.
It is you. We thought these ones were different. It sniffed at the air around the men, and then turned its yellow eyes back to me.
They’re not different. They’re just as dangerous as I am, I said, then said to Boyd, Boyd, use your ability to hover over the cat.
He closed his eyes, and from the corner of my eye, I saw Boyd’s essence leave his body. Then, it drifted up over my shoulder and towards the cat.
See? I said. They might even be more powerful than I am.
The cat took a step backward, wary.
Hold your hands out, like you’re going to do something to it, I said to Boyd. He stuck his arms out stiffly, his fingers curled into claws.
Look out! I called to the cat, making sure the other cats could hear, too. He’s getting ready to cast a spell!
Then, I asked Cole, How good are you with that gun?
Good enough, he said.
Then, shoot it. Between the eyes.
Cole didn’t hesitate. The gun’s muzzle lit, and the bullet hit the cat — not quite between the eyes but close enough.
It stood motionless for a moment, before it crumpled to the ground.
He’ll do it again, I said to the other cats. Look, he’s getting ready.
I turned my thoughts to Boyd. There’s another cat about a hundred yards out, to your left. Drift that way with your arms out, just like that. He did as I asked, and I sensed the other cats starting to retreat.
The cat near the fire finally took notice of what was going on. It jumped over what was left of the body. In the firelight, its face glistened with blood. I imagined it being restrained, and it pushed against the invisible force I held it with, but it didn’t get any closer.
Go away, I said. You had your meal.
Boyd was approaching the cat to the left. I directed Cole to shoot it, giving the appearance Boyd had done something to hurt it.
The cat near the fire wasn’t convinced. Your trickery won’t work with me. That ghost can’t do anything.
I shook my head. You don’t want to mess with me. What do you think is holding you back?
It snarled and struggled against the barrier, but it only succeeded in being pushed backwards. Its big claws were extended and tearing into the ground. They left grooves in the dirt. You’ll make a good meal, just like that one. The cat looked back at the body in the dirt. I bet your flesh will be a lot more . . . tender.
That comment touched my temper. My lip curled up in disgust, and I pushed the barrier farther back, knocking the cat to the ground. The cats that were retreating suddenly surged forward, quickly surrounding the campsite in every direction.
My heart thumped in my chest. We were all going to die. I felt the growing sensation of desperation I now recognized as the hallmark of my most destructive moments. The air felt crisper and sharper; colors were brighter — even in the dark. Time started to slow.
You stupid kid, Rolfe said, striding out of the group. You’re making it worse. He grabbed me by the shoulder and turned me roughly to face him. He stepped back when he saw the look on my face.
I imagined him flying backwards off his feet and to the ground.
So, he did.
He scrabbled his feet against the loose dirt and rocks, trying to scoot away from me. You’re goddamn crazy, he said.
I’m goddamn saving your life, I said. I turned back to the cat and thought about it bursting into flames. The cat’s fur smoldered for a moment, and then flames shot out of its eyes and mouth, along with an eerie howl of pain.
Who’s tender now? I asked the cat. It didn’t respond; instead, it turned in circles, looking for a way to escape the flames. It flopped to the ground and rolled to try and extinguish them, but they were coming from inside and couldn’t be suffocated.
The other cats crept in closer, believing I was focused on the flaming cat, twitching on the ground.
You’d better keep back, or you’ll be next, I said to the cats.
A few of them began to retreat. The rest kept moving in closer.
Rolfe had finally gotten his feet underneath him, and he was standing with the group again. I don’t believe it, he said. All that stuff they said she did. It was real! She killed dozens of people and crushed an entire building.
Anger rebloomed within me. “They were torturing me!” I shouted out loud, stabbing a finger in the direction of the city. “They made me this way! If you want to know why I killed people, why don’t you ask what they were doing to me?!”
I don’t care what they did to you. Killing is wrong, Cole said.
“Says a searcher. That’s rich,” I said. I glanced at the cats. They halted their progress, but they w
ere still surrounding us, watching and waiting.
Froyd stepped out of the group. We need your help, he said. Please.
Killing is wrong, I said. Cole just said so.
I meant, killing people! Innocent ones, Cole squeaked in my inner ear.
“The people I killed were not innocent,” I said.
Froyd put a hand on my shoulder. I know. Nobody blames you for what happened. You and Elton were in pain and afraid and alone. You did what you did because you thought you had no other choice.
I met his eyes and saw a moment of true understanding. He knew I wasn’t a monster; at least, I wasn’t a monster by choice.
If it’s not too late, I’d like to strike that deal now, he said.
My eyes darted to search the others’ faces. He’d said it only to me. Do you have something in mind? I asked.
Save Boyd and me. Let the cats get the other two. That’ll be the end.
I was about to agree, when I caught a look at Rolfe. His hand had wandered to the doll in his pocket, and he was absently worrying its hair. He was somebody’s dad. Could I deprive someone of their parent, the way I’d been deprived of mine?
I sighed. I couldn’t. “No deal. I’ll save you all right now. Intentionally letting them get killed is the same as killing them myself, and I won’t do it again.
His lips thinned into a line, and his forehead crinkled. All right. But you’ll help Boyd and me get away from them? We don’t want to be used by the searchers. We want to be free to make our own lives.
Deal, I said.
He reached out, and I took his hand. His grip was strong but sweaty — which reminded me of our predicament.
Are you two done making out? Cole demanded. Do I need to remind you we’re surrounded by hungry carnivores with claws the size of my arm?
Froyd stepped away from me. This is self-defense, he said. They’re predators.
He was right. There was no outcome in which the cats wouldn’t come back for us. We were probably the easiest and largest game for miles around — and, as the flaming cat had noted, a few of us were young enough to still be tender.
I took a deep breath and summoned what strength I could. Then, I imagined compacting the wind into a thin blade, and I sliced through the air with a horrible whistling sound at the cats encircling us.
The cats fell to the ground collectively, their dismembered heads rolling away at odd angles.
Holy Jesus, Cole said. He glanced at Rolfe. Did you see that? She just cut their heads clean off their bodies. Without even moving.
Rolfe’s mouth was hanging open; his arms hung limply, the doll in his pocket forgotten.
Boyd approached me. How can we ever thank you? he asked.
I looked pointedly at Cole. You know how.
Cole nodded mutely.
No, Froyd said, just to me. We need to spell it out. Cole can be . . . slippery.
He had a point. So far, Cole didn’t seem to be an entirely upstanding man.
I began, I want Cole and Rolfe to return to the city. You’ll release Froyd and Boyd’s family from whatever situation you’ve placed them in that lets you use their abilities. If their family wants to leave the city, you’ll allow them. You will not follow them or allow any other searcher to go after them. They’re free to do as they please. If they decide to stay, there will be no form of retaliation.
I continued, You’ll inform whoever sent you that Gayle and I are dead. You will provide some of our destroyed equipment as proof we’re gone, and you’ll be convincing about it. You’ll make sure we’re left alone. Froyd and Boyd may either return to the city with you or stay out here — whichever they prefer. You’ll leave them alone, as well. Like their family, they are free to do as they please.
I took a step towards Cole. His eyelids flickered, and he took a half-step backwards. Do you agree with all that? I asked.
Cole’s eyes darted first to a nearby cat, and then to Rolfe. They were silent for a minute as they discussed the deal.
I think it’s clear you don’t have a choice, Froyd said.
Cole scrunched his lip under his nose and shoved his hands in his pockets. He dropped his gaze to the ground. We agree, he said.
“I need you to look at me and meet my eyes while you say that,” I said.
Fine, he said, raising his face. His eyes flicked back and forth between mine, but at least he was looking. We agree with your proposal.
“Great,” I said. I felt for any cats lingering nearby. They were all gone. “We’re out of danger for now. Sun will be up soon. Let’s get some rest.” I lifted the flap of the shelter Froyd and Boyd had been in. “May I?”
Cole shrugged, his eyebrows moving along with his shoulders. You can use Balton’s bedroll, I guess.
I’ll show you, Froyd said. He went in the shelter ahead of me, and I followed. Boyd came behind me. Froyd gestured to the unoccupied bedroll. Sorry about the smell. He didn’t much believe in cleanliness.
I shrugged. I hadn’t had a bedroll of my own since the cat had shredded Gayle’s. Smelly or not, I was getting in it.
I got inside and snuggled in deep, and before I could even count to three, I was asleep.
Chapter 10
When I opened my eyes in the morning, I came face-to-face with Boyd. He was lying in his bedroll, his head tilted towards mine, and he was staring at me. “Good morning,” I said. My cheeks felt hot. Why was he looking at me like that?
Good morning, he said. I can’t believe what you did for us. When I think of what we came out here to do, and you saving us . . . it’s . . .
I shook my head. “I did what anybody would do.” That wasn’t entirely true; I’d like to think I would’ve done it, no matter whether they made a deal with me or not. But I couldn’t be certain.
He pushed out of his bedroll and unzipped the flap. I glanced over to see Froyd, already out of the shelter. We didn’t deserve your help, Boyd said. But I’m grateful you did help us. Just so you know.
Something sounded off about the way he said it, but he left the shelter without allowing me time to respond. I sloughed off the bedroll and went out to see what was going on.
Cole and Rolfe were each skinning a cat. Cole was further along with his, and Froyd was at the fire, roasting a cat leg for breakfast. Beyond the fire, there was a fresh mound of dirt.
They’d buried their dead already, then. Efficient.
“Can I take some of that? For Gayle,” I said to Froyd. He glanced to Cole, who nodded, without looking up from his task.
I’ll go with you, Froyd said, ducking his head. To take it to her, I mean.
“No need. I can take it to her without leaving,” I said.
He studied me, his eyebrows raised. He didn’t believe me.
“I can transport an object far away, so long as I can envision my destination,” I said. That clicked an idea in place for me. Could I send Silver – and by extension, Tabby – a message if I could see where they were? Even if I didn’t know how to get there?
I needed to test that idea. I’d need the tablet to do that.
But first, there was Gayle to contend with.
That’s a useful skill, he said. He turned back to tending the leg over the fire.
“Maybe I could have some water?”
Cole stood and wiped his hands on his pants. He went to his shelter and came back out with a canteen.
My canteen.
I guess this belongs to you, he said. He handed it to me.
“Can I have my pack, as well? And the tablet?”
He slid his eyes to Froyd, before looking back at me. “Sure,” he said, flat and emotionless. I wondered what he’d lose if he returned to the city without me.
Froyd flinched, and I realized Cole was likely assuming he’d told me about finding our things in the riverbed.
“He didn’t tell me you had them,” I said. “I was here watching when you found them. Remember? He told you I was high above, and I could see you.”
Cole blanched. He retreated ag
ain to his shelter and returned with the pack. This time, he didn’t hand it to me, though. He dropped it on the ground next to Froyd. Pack her bag with food and send her on her way, he broadcast to Froyd so that we could all hear. He turned to me, challenging me with his eyes.
“I can go,” I said. “But the cats will be back. What’re you going to do then?” I kept my face neutral, though I felt smug. They must have realized they couldn’t fend off the cats themselves.
Cole’s eyes narrowed. I’ve been a searcher for a long time — since I was your age, I’d bet — and I ain’t never had trouble with the cats before. Why do you think that is?
I shrugged. “This is my first time out of the city, and I’ve had trouble with the cats half a dozen times already. How am I supposed to know what gave you such good luck?”
Maybe it isn’t that I’ve had good luck. Maybe it’s you who’s bringing bad luck, and we’d do well to get rid of you.
There was a click behind me. Without turning, I felt for what it was with my mind.
Rolfe had a gun trained on me.
“That won’t work,” I said.
The skin on the outside of Cole’s left eye clenched in a nervous tick.
I didn’t even have to move. I diverted the bullet with a shove of air, pinging it neatly to the ground between Cole’s feet.
He took a step backwards. Holy hell, he said.
I laughed. “You didn’t do your homework,” I said. “Didn’t you know they trained me to do that?”
Cole scowled. I told you to fill up her bag and send her on her way. She isn’t staying with us.
Froyd looked at me, then at Cole. Neither of us met his eyes; we were too busy staring each other down.
“I’ll go,” I said. “Just remember your promise: You leave me and Gayle alone. You convince whoever sent you we’re dead and there’s no need to look for us anymore. And these two . . .” I indicated the twins. “They do what they want. Leave their families alone.”
Cole nodded. I remember the agreement.
Froyd zipped my bag shut and dropped it on the ground at my feet.
“I’ll be taking that bedroll, too. Since you don’t need it.” I picked up the pack and put it on.
