The Changing Earth Series (Book 3): The Walls of Freedom

by Hathaway, Sara F.

  “Okay...full weapons and supply check in one hour...please,” he corrected himself, winking at her.

  “Much better. I think we can manage that,” Erika said, meeting the eyes of her laughing children.

  After they had the cabin in order, the family acquiesced to the Master Sergeant’s request and had all of their provisions ready for inspection like they had done many times as part of the rescue squad.

  “We don’t have many bullets left,” Erika said, displaying their guns, ammo, food and water filter reserves to the Master Sergeant.

  “I’m not concerned that much with bullets. I think we have enough for practice, hunting and the occasional straggler. What I’m more concerned with is food. We can melt snow and dig for wood, but we’ll probably need more food,” the Master Sergeant pondered.

  “How long do you think we’ll be here?” Star wondered.

  “Right now we’re safe from the storm and reality. I think we should enjoy it as long as we can,” Master Sergeant Bennet replied. “Plus, we have to wait for your dad and Johnny to get back on their feet. Come on, I’m not that bad,” he teased.

  Chapter 24

  The days passed slowly while Vince was recovering. Erika spent her nights staring at him while he thrashed with fever, but it passed. She spent most of her days inside, getting meals ready, playing with Daniel, cleaning their clothes and gear and sitting idly by Vince’s side. She worked with Jack, training him to be a watchful companion. Trucker went everywhere with Dexter. Dexter, Star and Sean usually left early with Master Sergeant Bennet. Sean was not allowed back into the Free Town because of his controversial killing of the man who wanted to trade sex for antibiotics. Johnny was getting better quickly and was already up and about.

  Master Sergeant Bennet would visit the free town to trade goods and hunted with the others frequently. They had scouted quite a bit of the surrounding area. Erika’s ears perked up when she heard them discussing a nearby heard of elk, but she did not want to leave the cabin and Vince. She did not want to go out, or even continue on with her existence. Life had thrown so much at her. She just sat by and waited for Vince to come back and the days to pass.

  She didn’t have to wait long; after five of the longest days of Erika’s life Vince roused. Erika helped him move his IV around the cabin so he could relieve himself. The walk tired him out, and he used the rest of his energy to get some food and water in his belly before he passed out again.

  Even Daniel was becoming tired of his mother’s idle demeanor. He started going with the others in the morning and Erika sat alone with her thoughts. The children entered and exited from the cabin, accompanied by the only other man Erika trusted with the children’s security. They told stories of Sean’s trapping skills and Dexter’s knife skills. Daniel was elated with the little pair of snowshoes Master Sergeant Bennet had made for him. They brought back lots of small game, bunnies and squirrels out foraging for a winter snack.

  The next day Vince awoke again after everyone had left. Erika spent her day coddling him, making sure his head rested comfortably, his belly was full and he had enough liquid in his system. Later in the day his head became clearer.

  “How long have I been out?” he wondered.

  “Only a day since you last woke, but you were out for five days before that,” she answered.

  He noticed worry lines deeply creasing her face. She sat in a chair by his bed with her rifle slung across the back of it and her favorite book, The Valley of the Horses, sitting nearby.

  “Have you been sitting here the whole time, worrying about me?” he questioned softly. He knew that staying still was not something she did well. It pained him to see her sitting there concerned with him.

  “Of course I have, Vince. What would I do without you?” Her soft brown eyes stared into his and tears began to form.

  She threw her torso on to his and hugged him tightly.

  “Oh baby, you’re not lucky enough to lose me yet,” he teased with her.

  “Shut up, Vince.” Erika laughed at his joke.

  “Did I see Sergeant Bennet or was that a dream?” he wondered.

  “Yes you did, you weren’t dreaming. Thank God for that man, Vince. He saved you.” Erika squeezed him again.

  “With the antibiotics?” he questioned, holding his arm with the IV in it up.

  “Yes...you were in a bad way, Vince,” Erika said softly. “And I am sick of worrying about my family dying!” she teased, now that it seemed the worst had passed. “This didn’t even have to happen, Vince,” Erika admitted. “Cole was looking for us to keep us safe from the government. Turns out that there’s a resistance movement growing that’s bigger than we could have imagined.”

  “So...what do they want from us?” Vince wondered.

  “What do you mean?” Erika tried to play it off. I shouldn’t have even brought it up yet, she scolded herself.

  “Why would the resistance movement want us safe? Why would they waste resources on it? Why would Sergeant Bennet come all the way out here? Don’t hide from me, Erika. I’m hurt but I’m not stupid,” Vince answered.

  “It’s our story...and the stories of the revolts at the camp...our escape. Word has spread and the resistance wants to harness that energy. Oh, and Master Sergeant Bennet likes us and so does Cole,” she added.

  “Well, that’s a good thing, and it’s Master Sergeant now?” Vince chuckled. “Erika, I thought we were getting out to live freely? So we didn’t have to fight anymore?”

  “What was I supposed to do, baby? You were being poisoned by that infection! You would have died!” Erika defended.

  “Do you know how much we owe him now?” Vince pondered. He didn’t like feeling indebted to anyone.

  Erika’s eyes widened and she jerked her head back.

  “I don’t think they are playing us, Vince. What goes around comes around in life, and if not in this life then the next. I talked with Sergeant Bennet about it and yes, he does want me to use my voice and our story, but it will be for something good in this world...for freedom for everyone,” she declared.

  “Always my little fighter. Give me a hug, spark plug,” he replied.

  She hugged him tightly again, feeling his warmth enrapture her. This man truly was her strength and as he regained his, she felt hers recovering as well.

  “I just hope I can do it?” Erika admitted with her face resting gently on his chest.

  “Do what, baby?” He was curious where her thoughts had taken her.

  “Have the spirit to go on fighting. Have the power to take on forces that are so much bigger than me,” she confessed.

  “It won’t be just you. You have your family behind you,” he reassured her.

  Hearing that meant more to her than anything else in the world. She did have her family with her. They were safe. Erika sighed heavily as the door to the cabin flew open. In walked the Master Sergeant, her three children, Sean and Johnny. They all wore gigantic smiles and chatted giddily as they stomped the snow off their boots by the fire.

  “Daddy!” Daniel yelled, realizing his father was coherent.

  He ran across the room, throwing his gloves and coat on the floor, and hugged Vince. Dexter and Star followed suit after hanging their gear by the fire. Vince drank in the positive feelings his children surrounded him with. Inhaling, he breathed in their scent. They were his life and he would protect them with every fiber of his being. Master Sergeant Bennet, Johnny and Sean came over and shook Vince’s hand. Introductions were made for Sean and Johnny.

  “How are you feeling, Vince?” Master Sergeant Bennet questioned firmly.

  “A little like I got hit by a bus,” Vince admitted.

  “Good thing we found you when we did. We got the word your family was hunting for antibiotics so I came prepared,” the Master Sergeant declared.

  “Thank you...thank you for everything you have done for my family. We never got a chance to tell you after we left the camp.” Vince had never sounded so sincere in his life.
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br />   “Don’t worry about all that now, Vince. You just keep healing and get back on your feet. Your wife, however, has no more excuses to sit in this cabin moping around like a slug. She’s probably lost every bit of muscle in that tiny body, sitting here worrying about you,” the Master Sergeant teased, looking at Erika. “We’re going out tomorrow to get you moving again, Erika.”

  “Oh really?” Erika returned his eye contact. “You don’t give orders around here, remember?”

  “No, I don’t, but Star told me she wanted to stay in tomorrow to make a special rabbit stew. Daniel told me he wants to work on a painting. Dexter, Johnny and Sean told me they needed to spend tomorrow restocking our wood pile, so I am in need of a scout. Looks like you’re the only one with nothing to do,” he replied, looking at her slyly.

  “But I have to stay and look out for Vince,” she argued.

  “I will be fine, baby,” Vince interjected, winking at Erika. “All the kids will be around if I need anything. You should go.”

  “Yeah, I’ll help Dad out while I’m making my recipe,” Star added to the banter.

  “I can take care of Daddy and paint while he’s sleeping,” Daniel chimed in.

  “Fine, if you all are throwing me out, I guess I’ll go,” Erika acquiesced.

  “Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of you, cupcake,” Bennet teased, pleased with himself.

  “Whatever, cookie,” Erika replied with a punch to his arm.

  “There ya’ go, honey loaf. It’s all coming back, except you hit like a girl,” the Master Sergeant jested. “A weak girl who has spent entirely too much time shut up indoors.”

  Erika’s eyes widened at the horror of his statement. “Honey loaf? Really? I haven’t heard that one yet, turd,” she chided back. “Have I really lost that much?”

  “Nothing a few good training days can’t take care of,” the Master Sergeant announced with a gleam in his eye.

  Chapter 25

  Erika felt a gentle shaking; she awoke slowly. Master Sergeant Bennet was hovering over her.

  “Wake up, cupcake,” he whispered in the dark.

  “What? The sun’s not even up yet,” she moaned.

  “It will be by the time you get your gear on,” he countered. “Come on, move it!”

  “Fine,” she hissed, flinging her covers back. Erika immediately felt the cold of the winter morning infiltrating her body. She grabbed for her covers and threw them back over herself, snuggling deeply into their warmth.

  “Nope, let’s go,” the Master Sergeant commanded, ripping her covers off of her.

  “Why do you want me to go so bad? I could just stay here and take care of Vince,” she protested. She hated the mornings.

  “He’s fine. Now get your shit on!” He was tired of her whining.

  “Okay...okay,” she sensed he was nearing the end of his patience.

  Master Sergeant Bennet left the cabin as Erika stumbled around in the dark, putting on all the winter gear Bennet had brought for her. She felt like she was on an Arctic expedition as she left the cabin.

  Outside the first rays of sunlight were filtering through the trees. It had finally stopped snowing and chickadees could be heard singing in the sunshine. The snow had been cleared in a wide square directly outside the cabin door. There were two trails that left the square. One Erika knew well. It led to the privy. The cabin did have a bathroom, but with no running water it was easier to go outside in the trench. The trail that Master Sergeant Bennet chose led off in the other direction. Following Bennet down the path, they ended up in another rectangular square that was about half the size of a football field.

  “A training field? You made a training field?” Erika questioned.

  “Of course I did,” he answered.

  “Why are we here?” Erika had been looking forward to a nice hike, not time engaged in combat.

  “Because I want you to get your sights set,” he replied coyly.

  “On what?” She was not following.

  “On this.” He produced a compound bow from around his back.

  “A bow?” she gasped.

  “Yup, just for you. Here’s some arrows and there’s our target.” He pointed to a cloth in the distance and handed her a trigger release.

  “How did you know that I shot a bow? We never talked about that.” Erika was shocked.

  “Major Virgis told me you had said you bow-hunted at one time,” he admitted and his eyes twinkled again. “Go ahead...try it.”

  She clicked the release onto the string and pulled her hand back to her cheek. She assumed she would have to adjust the peep sight that was installed in the string so it would fit her small frame. To her surprise it fit perfectly and she spotted the sights down her arm, lining them up with the target. She gently let her arm relax and returned slack to the bowstring. She wanted to take special care of this weapon, and releasing the string with no arrow could have broken it.

  “How did you get it set to my size?” she wondered.

  “We had Star sit on her knees,” he teased.

  “They were in on this?” she laughed.

  “Oh yeah. Here, set your sights.” He handed her an arrow.

  Her first shot was off target but not unrecoverable. She adjusted the highest site and let another arrow fly. Still off, she thought, adjusted and hit the bull’s-eye.

  “There ya’ go, buttercup!” the Master Sergeant cheered. “Next sight.”

  They stepped back ten yards and repeated the process. They did it twice more and before long she was hitting her mark at seventy-five yards.

  “Perfect! Let’s go,” he said, satisfied with her proficiency.

  “Okay,” Erika replied slowly. She figured at this point it was better to not even ask. He handed her a pair of snowshoes.

  “You’re gonna need these,” he announced.

  “Yes sir,” she replied, slipping into old habits he had drilled into her head a long time ago.

  He smirked at the slip and pointed at her as he turned around and started stomping through the snow. He’s such a turd, she said to herself as she quickly strapped on the snowshoes, slung her bow over her shoulder, and set off with a gigantic smile on her face. The Master Sergeant led her up on top of the snow. The world outside the deep trail glistened white. The trees hung heavily in their shroud and dripped temporarily as the sun hit their soft fluffy covers for the first time in days.

  They headed north toward an unknown location. Grinding on for hours, Erika was enthralled with the world around her. It sparkled like magic glitter in the sun. She would pull down her mask and delight in the fresh piney smell, only to put it back into place when the cold bit her soft nose and lips. They stopped for a few moments to catch their breath.

  “We’re coming up on the herd. They are bedded down in that tree cluster at ten o’clock. See them?” he questioned, pointing at the horizon.

  “Yeah, I see them,” she whispered.

  They went into stalking mode, carefully maneuvering to ensure they were always down wind of the animals. As they snuck around a tree, Erika spotted the herd of elk. They stomped in the thinner snow around the base of the tree groves that spotted the landscape.

  The beauty of these elk was absolutely amazing to her. She marveled at their huge racks and majestic necklines. She quickly deduced which massive male was the alpha. This animal would make the biggest trophy to take home and show off. Erika was not that type of hunter, though. She had studied the animals and knew that the largest, healthiest male was also passing on the best genes for future generations.

  Instead of picking the largest animal, she watched one that was slightly smaller as he meandered to the side of the herd. She quietly took the bow off her shoulder and loaded an arrow with a broad head on the tip. It was about a fifty-yard shot. Erika slowly drew her bow back. She carefully sighted in the beautiful bull elk. Her heart pounded in her ears as she felt the adrenaline surge through her body. As she slowly exhaled, she squeezed the release. The arrow flew like a rocke
t through the air and sunk deep into the animal in the distance.

  The elk produced a deep, primal mortal scream. Its warm breath puffed through the air. A white cloud of snow exploded around the animals as they bounded away, spooked by the bull elk’s eerie death call. The injured animal still had the strength and adrenaline to follow his herd. The Master Sergeant and Erika stayed put, waiting for it to die.

  “Did you see that shot,” Erika whispered joyfully. “I’ve always wanted to hunt an elk! That was awesome!”

  “It was a great shot! That boy’s not running far,” he congratulated her.

  When Bennet gave the signal to advance towards the downed animal, Erika complied all too readily. Erika found the spot where the arrow had made initial contact and the arrow, still coated with blood and some type of organ meat. She carefully followed the trail of blood to the dead animal. She stood solemnly over the elk saying a silent prayer in her head, thanking the animal for its life that it gave for that of her family. She took out her knife, ready to clean the animal.

  “Don’t worry, cupcake, I got this. I was just waiting for you to finish your prayer or whatever voodoo crap you were doing over there,” he laughed at her.

  “Shut up!” she poked back. “I was thanking it for its life,” she replied honestly.

  He laughed again. “Thank you for being stupid enough to get shot and put food in our bellies.”

  “That’s so mean,” Erika said, thinking of the values she once held so dear.

  “It’s an animal, Erika. It’s somebody in our way. Makes no difference to me except one I eat and one I don’t,” he replied honestly. “Sit down and take a load off.”

  Erika sat down in a comfortable spot on her backpack. “How can you say that? Don’t you feel for them? Don’t their images haunt you?” Erika wondered, watching him carefully slice open the animal’s body.

  “I see them but I ignore them. The fight we are fighting is and always has been much bigger than them, than me, than you, than everyone. We are fighting for the survival of the human race and the future of what that race will be. Not only has the planet turned against the people, but the elite have as well. The current situation can’t last. Pretty soon there won’t be a generation left that knew what this country once was. They’re already rewriting history,” he ranted as he pulled out the elk’s innards. “When I signed up for the military, I signed up to be a part of an elite team. I did it because I wanted to be a part of something that mattered. I met women, cheated on them and divorced them. I never had children. See, I was already married to the corps and I was fighting to ensure that all the children of America were safe. Then the polar caps collapsed. The earthquakes came and the ocean level advanced. People were dying everywhere, people were going crazy, people were lost. They turned to the government and FEMA to secure them and help them. It seemed like the right thing to do. Order was being restored, but then watching those people...and meeting you. Knowing what was going on out here, life continued. Luxuries were being restored to people in large houses with power and running water while refugees suffered, sometimes at my own hand. The Constitution that I swore to defend was destroyed. The power the political elite received from the people was stolen from them, and the common landowner became a slave to the pharmaceutical companies and resource providers.” He looked up at her as he finished his work and his explanation.