by Silver, Ruth
“Let me find the key,” he said disappearing into the fog laid cloud of smoke.
“Hello?” I called not hearing anything, had he left me here to die? What other option did I have? Return to present day and die in a cell slowly or die quickly now? From out of the smoke the man coughed and wheezed, the keys jingling in his hand as he tried the first and then the second until finally he found the one that unlocked the cage I had been trapped inside. “Thank you!” I breathed throwing my arms around him in an embrace. He seemed awkward, unmoving and I let go.
“You're not infected, are you?” He asked with hesitation after I touched him.
“No. Vaccinated today.” I showed him the pierced skin and bruise that was now forming on my arm.
“Good, me, too.” He led me back up the stairs through the smoke. The building was on fire. “Come on,” he told me leading me along the first floor and towards the front exit. Flames hovered and licked the walls and I ducked, careful not to get burned as I maneuvered with the man towards the door. The fire terrified me, the heat radiating from all sides, scorching me as sweat dribbled down my forehead. The fire blazed brighter as I reached the open door, throwing myself outside, unsure how I didn't catch on fire. He followed right behind, barely escaping the flames as he gasped for air.
“You okay?” I looked him over, glad to see neither of us had been burned.
“Not used to such excitement,” he admitted. “Come along now.” He led me down the street. “You'll have to tell me how you got in that cell. The prison here hasn't been used in years.”
I laughed nervously wondering how you tell someone you just met that you are actually from the future. “It's a long story,” I smiled. “I need to head north home,” I explained. “Is there any way I might be able to borrow a vehicle?”
He eyed me skeptically. “Any chance I'd see this vehicle again?”
“It's okay,” I said. “I'll walk it.” It'd be a long walk and there was nothing I could do to quicken it.
“I can lend you a horse, if you know how to ride?”
“Seriously?” I'd never seen a living horse let alone ridden on one! I'd seen a picture of one in a children's book while we were learning the alphabet. I hadn't been within miles of a horse. Was he kidding?
“Come on.” He led me off the main road and further through the town. Torv had changed. The city was bright and filled with excitement. The buildings were erected high and the paved roads glistened but the people, something about them was different. This world was filled with hope and promise. I hated to tell them what was coming. “Just promise me you'll take good care of her.” He led me through town and to the farthest outskirts to a barn. Inside he took me through the stables and past several large animals. I'd never seen a horse up close and doubted anyone else had either. Had they eventually become extinct? I wasn't sure.
“I promise,” I assured him. “How do I ride her?”
“She's pretty good with newcomers. The tamest horse there is, Auburn.” He petted her gently. “Remember to share your water with her and some vegetables.” He handed me a canteen and pouch filled with food for the horse.
“Thank you for being so generous.”
“I never did catch your name,” he remarked, helping me onto the horse, securing my feet in the stirrups and showing me how to control her.
“Olivia,” I introduced myself. “I can't ever thank you enough,” I breathed realizing then who he reminded me of. “You look just like someone I used to know,” I remarked. “Landon.”
He laughed patting Auburn's side. “Can't say I know him. Hope it's good memories,” he answered. “I'll show you out of Torv but the stretch north is solely yours.” The way he said it worried me.
“Afraid of traveling north?” I asked wondering what was wrong with it. The Gravelands didn't get their name for another hundred years at least.
“Rebels up that way haven't been vaccinated yet. They insist the drug causes some sort of mutation. I don't know, it's a bunch of hogwash if you ask me.” He confessed, “But just be careful, Olivia. I'd hate to see anything happen to you or Auburn.”
“I promise I'll take real good care of her for you.” I patted Auburn's side. “Can you show me the way out of here?” I asked. I'd never been this far west in Torv. I'm not sure it even existed in present day but it didn't matter. I needed to go home. I glanced down thankful the bracelet was still secure on my wrist.
“Just follow it north.” He pointed towards the fence used to keep the cattle and horses grazing within their land.
“Thank you again,” I called back, riding Auburn fast and hard north, keeping the canteen secured around my chest and the pack of vegetables secured shut to the saddle.
I traveled for hours as the sun began to set on the horizon. I slowed Auburn down and jumped off. I sat with her, offering the horse water and food. She took all I offered then stretched her legs and hung her head. I could tell she was hot and tired, so I walked her a bit to cool her down. I patted her head as we slowed to a stop on flat ground that looked good enough to rest on. I found a few branches and started a small fire beside us. All I could hope was it wouldn't attract any rebels or wild animals. Auburn feeling comfortable and safe, laid down to rest. Her eyes shut and I patted her happy for the companionship as I headed off on foot to find water and food for me.
I didn't have to walk far and kept my ears open for any sound at all. The slight trickle of water from the east alerted me to a chance of food and I sprinted towards it. My feet pounded the ground and leaves crunched beneath my feet. The ground was damp as I walked closer and saw the smallest stream peeking out from the ground hidden between two rocks. “Food,” I breathed hoping there were fish. Though Joshua had been the one who learned how to catch them, I'd been around enough that I'd learned my fair share. I spent the next several hours forming a net from branches and vines managing to catch two small fish. Proudly, I carried them back to the campfire. Auburn hadn't budged the slightest since I'd left.
Relieved the fire hadn't died out completely I stoked it, added some wood and then cooked my meal over the open flame. I was starving and two small fish barely seemed enough food but it would do. I curled up against Auburn, feeling the rise and fall of her chest as I shut my eyes and let sleep take over.
CHAPTER 26
I woke abruptly as Auburn jumped up. I stood, seeing us surrounded by a half-dozen men, knives raised, watching us hungrily.
“I say we cut her and then eat the horse!” one man shouted. His clothes were torn, his face smeared in filth. He was thin, his bones protruded from his neck as if he hadn't eaten in weeks. His eyes bulged and he inched closer.
“No way,” another man taller and fatter shouted laughing hysterically. “She's all mine! I laid eyes on her first,” he boasted proudly, stepping closer towards the circle.
I eyed the fire wondering if the coals were hot enough to burn the six men. I doubted I'd be able to stop them on my own and protect Auburn. I patted Auburn gently, glancing down, glad the bracelet hadn't been stolen. “You will leave me and the horse alone,” I demanded eyes tight and lips curled. “I'll warn you once.”
A third man smiled deviously. I noticed he was missing a front tooth and the rest were yellow and decaying as he stepped closer. “Warn us of what? We have weapons. You can't tell me you have any chance against six men.” His voice sent a shudder through my body.
“I could easily give you the plague,” I spit out. “Are you sure you're willing to take that chance?” I glanced from one man to the other, turning around to see two more behind me. I jumped onto Auburn's back, kicking her side, “Go!” I shouted. She jumped past the men, but it didn't stop them as they followed us on foot. “Faster!” I rode her swift and hard. Glancing back every so often, they disappeared behind us. I glanced down at the bracelet on my arm once again. We were far from Torv but still in Cabal. I couldn't risk using it, not yet.
I wouldn't let Auburn stop. We rode hard from dark until well past dusk. I could fe
el her slowing but she hadn't stopped. Not yet. I eyed west of us, seeing nothing but plains that went on for miles. For the faintest moment I wished I had any idea how much further we had to travel. There was no map, only my memory of the journey when I'd been trying to find Joshua. The moon crept into the sky and we stopped for the night, repeating our ritual. I gave Auburn the last of the water, chiding myself for not getting more yesterday when I'd had the chance. We found a tree and together we slept beneath it. I hoped we wouldn't have any unexpected visitors again.
Morning came far too quickly and I roused Auburn from sleep, climbing atop her as she galloped north. I felt as if we'd barely made headway. I covered more ground on the horse than on foot, but not as much space as I had in the vehicle Joshua and I had stolen from Haven. At this rate it would be weeks if not months until I found my way home. I couldn't contact Joshua. I'd have to wait until we reached Haven where it was safe and hopefully he'd be able to hear me. It was a long shot but he'd be looking for me, wouldn't he? I patted Auburn's back, riding her through the night, moving farther north. After several days food for Auburn had run scarce but we’d had plenty of water.
On the fifth day from Torv, Auburn and I trotted through a small farm. The white paint on the shutters had turned a dull gray and was peeling. I led Auburn towards the front yard, slipping off her back. “Stay here,” I commanded though I doubt she understood a word I uttered. I maneuvered to the front of the home and peered through the dirty windows. I walked up the porch steps, gave one swift knock to make sure it was uninhabited before trying the door. It was unlocked. “Hello?” I called into the home before I stepped inside. I pushed away cobwebs and the dust made me cough. I covered my mouth with my arm, moving further into the house, searching for the kitchen. I'm not sure what I expected to find in an old abandoned home. The food in the fridge was disgusting: The electricity had been off for a while.
I searched the cabinets and pantry, finding a few canned goods and grabbed the can opener. Rummaging through the rest of the house, I grabbed a duffel bag and packed food inside. Carrying it out my eyes searched the front. “Auburn?” The horse wasn't where I'd left her.
“Auburn?” I called out again, tossing the bag over my shoulder as I glanced from left to right hearing a sound. “Auburn?” I hoped she was okay and no one else was after us. Though it had been days and we'd barely stopped there were others out there, sicker and probably crazier. I grabbed a can from the bag, prepared to use it as a weapon as I rounded the corner of the house, finding Auburn eating from the trees. Hundreds of fruit trees lined the house for acres. It was an orchard.
Breathing a sigh of relief I patted her back and let her eat while I grabbed a peach from the tree for myself. I saved the canned food for later when the fruit perished. I grabbed the vegetable bag that was now empty and put fresh fruit inside it, stocking it with everything I could reach. I closed it off and secured it once again to Auburn along with the canned goods. “We should go soon.” I patted her back watching as she trotted further along the orchard and I jogged to keep up with her. “Auburn!” I followed, hoping I wouldn't have to jump onto her while she was moving. She slowed to a stop when she found the watering hole she'd been after. I filled the canteen for Auburn. She happily drank every bit she could before I climbed atop and together we continued our journey north.
CHAPTER 27
We traveled for weeks. I lost count how long I'd been gone. After the third week the days blurred together. I missed my warm bed, a shower and real food. The fruit had perished without refrigeration and the canned food had almost all been eaten. Auburn had stayed healthy and strong through the ordeal. From a distance I could see civilization at the farthest edge south of the bluffs. Haven had to be there or some construct of it. Haven itself hadn't been established yet but another city had been. The one that had erected the buildings long before Haven was born.
I wasn't enthralled with the idea of entering the unknown city. I knew nothing about it. I wasn't even sure where I was and the only history I remembered from 2225 was the Red Plague. I wished I'd paid more attention to the texts in Haven they've given me to read.
Auburn slowed as we descended down the bluff. I gripped her tight, the edge of the embankment too close for my liking. We maneuvered down the bluff until we reached the only thing stopping us from crossing into town, the river. Auburn bent her head, drinking hastily as I climbed down off her frame. “Come on.” I led her along the north side of town knowing we would no longer be in The Republic of Cabal if they kept their word. Keeping her with me, we reached the utmost northern spot of Haven and I held one hand over the bracelet and my other hand touched Auburn, bringing her with me.
The slightest ripple shifted through us and I blinked my eyes seeing armed guards just south of us. I'd done right. Joshua? I hoped he could hear me and that he was nearby.
Olivia? Is that you? I heard his voice. Where are you?
Haven. I answered. Joshua, I need you to come quick. There are guards here from The Republic of Cabal and they've got guns pointed at me. I didn't have much time. I heard the shot and the moment it did I shifted back with Auburn to 2225.
She kicked erratically, terrified from the gunshot. I couldn't blame her. “Maybe I should leave you here,” I breathed, patting her back. “You've been a lifesaver, Auburn.” I smiled. “There are people just over the water,” I gestured towards the town. “Find yourself a home.” I didn't know how it worked, if someone would take her in or if she'd be free to roam the land forever. I'd gotten as far as I could with Auburn and the only way I could truly protect her was to leave her here. I patted her once more before running on foot around where Haven had once been. I tried to imagine the desecrated and abandoned buildings. The broken walls and destroyed city. I had just been there and on the westernmost side I could hide. If the soldiers from The Republic of Cabal didn't cross into Haven then I would be safe. I squatted down on the ground hoping I'd be okay as I shifted once more, staring down at the bracelet as I moved back to present day.
Olivia! Olivia! Olivia! He chanted. The sound of fear and horror etched in his words as he searched for me.
I'm okay, I assured him, realizing for a moment that I was all right. I was exactly where I had hoped to be, hidden out of sight and quiet as I heard footsteps crunching debris as the soldiers searched the southern side of Haven for me. They're looking for me, Josh and they're armed.
Where are you? He asked.
I'm just past what used to be the library. I told him. I'm hiding. Where are you? I don't know why I expected him to be here. It was stupid, nonsensical.
On my way. He assured me. I held my breath as I heard glass breaking under foot. The soldiers weren't far and I was confident they'd already trespassed onto Haven territory. I closed my eyes and blanketed myself in a glamour. I pretended I wasn't there. I hid myself from the men and from anyone capable of seeing me. I could go back to 2225, but I didn't want to. Even if it was safe, how much longer would it be that way? There would be questions of where I came from and who I was. I couldn't deal with that. Worst of all I couldn't deal with not being around those I loved. I kept the glamour up several minutes. I could see the guards now as they searched for me, guns drawn but shaking their heads wondering where I'd gone. I held my breath and glanced upwards as I heard the slight rumble of distant thunder on a day with blue sky overhead. It had to be Joshua. I let out a breath, careful to keep the glamour up a little longer, sheltering me from being seen.
The drone Joshua flew zipped past Haven and the two soldiers who had no business in Haven did their best to hide around the west side of the building. Joshua circled around and the men moved south, heading back to their territory, away from Haven. Once the men had retreated, Joshua found an empty plot of land and put the drone down on the ground.
The glamour faded around me as I ran for the drone, not caring that the soldiers now could see me. It wasn't my first priority.
“Olivia!” I heard Joshua's voice and my eyes lit up in ex
citement. Finally, I was home! I ran for him, just twenty feet away as he climbed out of the drone. My arms outstretched ready to hug him, to grab him, to pull him to me. “Watch out!” he screamed, the words barely out of his lips as he pushed me aside.
My eyes widened in shock as the bullet fell to the ground, just before it reached his chest. “Quick, come on!” he insisted as I climbed in behind him. He closed the hatch around us and we belted in. Joshua wasted no time as he took us up into the air. I heard the sound of bullets from the ground whizzing by but none hit the drone. I wasn't sure if it was because the soldiers had terrible aim or if it was because Joshua had done something again to protect us.
“Thank you,” I breathed, feeling my heart slamming in my chest.
“I'm just glad you're okay,” he answered. “Every day I've been circling the skies as far south of Haven and back up to Spade. I heard you because I wasn't that far away. I wanted to fly further into The Republic of Cabal, but you'd be mad if I risked everything you worked to achieve for Spade.” It was the first time I felt like there was a home to go to. A place where we finally belonged.
“Yeah, I would have been,” I acknowledged. Although the journey alone had been exhausting, it was the only way to ensure both of us came out alive.
The remainder of the flight was in silence. I stared out the window, grateful to be safe and home. When we reached Spade I'd bury the bracelet, keep it away from anyone else. Glancing forward at the back of Joshua's head, I'd have to tell him everything I hadn't said. The fact I'd been given the vaccination in 2225 wasn't good news for me being able to conceive. If it were true and I was different, now I was like the rest of the world, infertile. I dreaded the conversation to come.
