by L. S. O'Dea
“They’re all dead.” Every last one of them. All because she’d failed to look for Gaar’s signal.
“How?” asked Travis, disbelief in his voice.
“Gaar. He killed them all.” It was a slaughter. A blood bath. She blinked back tears. She wasn’t crying over them. She couldn’t be. That would be foolish. They would have killed and eaten her without a second thought. Guards were the enemy. She took a deep, shuddering breath. She needed to remember that.
“What is he?” asked Tammie.
“A Handler.” She brushed Travis’ hair away from his eyes, so familiar but different now. Older. Haunted.
“They’re extinct,” said Tammie.
“Obviously not,” said Gaar as he came back inside. He held up two key rings. “I grabbed both sets.” He handed one to her. “I’m guessing that you’ll need this for the other buildings.”
Thank Araldo for Gaar. She wasn’t sure that she could have dug around on the dead bodies, searching for the keys.
He tried several keys before he found the one that unfastened Travis’ hands. He removed it from the ring and handed it to her. “Go free the others.”
She moved down the row, unlocking hands but keeping an eye on Travis. She couldn’t seem to stop herself. She’d discovered what happened to the Harvest Listers and it was worse than any of them had ever imagined, but she’d found Travis and saved him. Saved them all.
Gaar unlocked and removed Travis’ neck restraint. Travis stumbled forward, leaning against the cage. It took several moments, but when he was able to stand on his own, Gaar opened the door and helped him step out of the enclosure. Gaar moved on to the next Producer, repeating the process. Once they were all free, they left the building; the stronger Producers assisting those who could not stand or walk on their own.
When everyone was in the yard, she and Tammie went to free the teenagers in the other buildings and to try to convince them to leave. Gaar led some of the Producers around to the back of the Guards’ house to gather supplies that they’d need in the forest.
Several hours later when they’d finished unlocking all the doors, a small group of about seventy Producers stood outside, talking amongst themselves. The others didn’t believe what she and Tammie had told them and had refused to leave their rooms.
Gaar was teaching some of the Producers from Travis’ building how to make spears. She had a few moments to herself. It was the perfect time to figure out how to escape. This camp wasn’t far from home. If she were quick, she might be back before anyone even woke. She glanced toward the forest and her breath caught in her throat. The predators had arrived.
A fuzzy creature with four long legs and pinchers protruding from the sides of its face slowly rolled the body of a Guard into the brush. Three Cold Creepers feasted on another Guard, not bothering to drag the carcass away, and a creature that resembled a large snail sat over one of the bodies. It was expanding and contracting. She assumed that it was eating.
How was she going to get past all these predators? She had to think. What would Gaar do? Wait, watch echoed through her mind. She swallowed down her disgust and studied the scene before her. Mirra stretched out in the tree, feasting. The Cold Creepers shared a Guard while the other two predators each had their own. They all seemed to ignore each other.
Another Cold Creeper stuck its head out of the bushes. It sniffed the air and then looked at Mirra. It sniffed again, eyeing the closest Guard which was only a few feet from Mirra’s tree. It snorted and walked in the other direction, past the other predators to a carcass farther from the Tracker. That was it. She’d use Mirra’s scent to disguise herself.
“We’ll leave at first light and go to the Handler camp,” said Gaar.
She jumped at the sound of his voice and averted her eyes. She had no reason to feel guilty. She wasn’t going to do anything wrong. Gaar and Mirra were the ones being stubborn about the whole thing.
He nodded at the Producers. “They can’t see very well at night, can they?”
Hardly at all. She shook her head. The Producers were free, but still in so much danger.
“They can’t climb trees either, can they?” he asked, his voice getting grimmer.
“They probably can, but they don’t have claws,” she said. “We may need to show them.”
“Little One, this is why I didn’t want to turn them loose.”
The Producers huddled together in the yard, fear plainly visible on their faces. What was she going to do? Leaving them on their own was almost as bad as leaving them locked up. They barely stood a chance in the woods, even as a group. She hadn’t thought this through. She’d just wanted to help them.
He sighed. “They should go to the Forest Witch. She takes in injured creatures.”
“We can’t send them there. You said she’s an Almighty.” It would be no better than leaving them here to be slaughtered and eaten.
“What other choice do we have? Look at them. They’re frightened out of their wits and half of them are sick. They need to leave the sick here.”
Travis sat on the ground next to Tammie who was trying to keep him warm. His hair was wet and he was wearing clean clothes. He and the others from his building must have bathed in the river when she’d been unlocking the rooms.
“No. We are not leaving the sick.”
“How are they going to make it through the forest with no guide and a bunch of Producers who can barely walk? The only chance they have is to move and move fast. Predators can smell the sick and weak,” he said.
“No. I won’t do it. I won’t set them free and then leave them here to die. They have to try.”
“What chance do the others have, then?” he asked.
“He’s right,” said Travis.
“No. You can’t stay here.” This was not what she’d planned. Travis could not die.
“I think I have to,” said Travis, holding up his hand to stop her from arguing. “Hear me out. We’ll stay for a few days, a week at the most. That will give us time to heal and plan.”
“But the Almightys will find out about what happened here,” she said. “You need to be long gone by then.”
“I agree,” said Travis. “But many of us can’t travel, yet. If those who can want to go, then they should get a large group and go. The rest of us will wait a little while. Maybe, we can convince some others to come. If not, we’ll leave in a few days no matter what.”
“There are plenty of supplies in the Guards’ building, so I think we can assume that the supply truck won’t be coming for a couple of weeks,” said Gaar. “You need to keep the gate closed. That should keep the predators at bay. Stay inside as much as possible. When you’re ready to leave, go at first light. Most predators hunt during the evening. Before dusk, make camp. I would suggest climbing the highest tree that you can, but if you can’t do that then make a fire. You can carry some of the Guards’ fire with you.”
Travis nodded. “Where does this Forest Witch live?”
“Travis, it’s not safe,” she said.
“Where else should we go?” he snapped.
She stepped back. Travis hadn’t raised his voice to her since they were children.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled.” He slowly stood and staggered over to her. “I wouldn’t be outside, free, if it weren’t for you. Thank you.”
“She’s right,” said Gaar. “The Forest Witch may help you, but she may eat you too. Only go there if you have no other choice. You’ll have to travel for many days. Her cabin is deep in the woods. Follow the river into the forest. Travel east. You’ll lose the river for a bit but you’ll meet up with it again.”
Travis nodded. “Only, if we have to.”
“Yes. Otherwise, I would suggest that you find an area far into the forest that is easy to defend. Like a cave. Then set up camp and stay there.” He looked over at her. “We’ll find you when this is all over. We’ll help you get settled.”
It was more than she’d hoped. She bit her lip and then laun
ched herself at him, hugging him tightly. “Thank you, Gaar. Thank you.”
He patted her back and gently unhooked her arms.
“When all what is over?” asked Travis, staring at them suspiciously.
Travis was not going to be happy about this. He’d always tried to protect her and in this case he couldn’t.
“Remember the Handler camp that we found? I promised to take Gaar there.”
Travis nodded uneasily. “Why?”
“Gaar’s going to free his kind and then we’re going to free the Trackers.” She looked at Gaar. “It shouldn’t take us too long, should it?”
Gaar shrugged. “My time frame has been escalated by this...mishap. We can’t rush, but it should only take a few days.”
“That’s perfect.” She turned to Travis. “Wait here for us. Then we’ll go together. Right, Gaar?”
“Sure. It’ll be great traveling with a bunch of sick Producers in a forest filled with predators,”—Gaar nodded toward the creatures outside the fence—“including Trackers and Handlers. And let’s not forget, that we get to do all this while being hunted by the Almightys’ Guards.”
Put that way it didn’t seem like a great idea, but the Producers had a better chance traveling with her, Gaar and Mirra than alone. “You offered to help them get settled,” she said softly, hoping he wouldn’t change his mind.
Gaar grunted. “I’m a big, mouthed idiot.” He faced the group of Producers. “I need three volunteers to come with me so I can teach you how to lock the gate. The rest of you, go into one of the buildings for the night.”
The Producers talked amongst themselves and three followed Gaar to the gate. The others headed toward the Guards’ building. She grabbed Travis’ hand, stopping him. Tammie stopped too.
“I need to speak with Travis, alone, for a moment.” She smiled to try and take the sting from her words. She didn’t want to hurt Tammie’s feelings, but she didn’t know the other girl well enough to include her in this conversation.
“Oh, sure.” Tammie smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I’ll get some water for the night. I’ll meet you inside.” She headed toward the river.
She waited until everyone was out of hearing distance before speaking. “I have to go home and warn the others. I’m going to leave when everyone is asleep. It won’t take me long to get there. I’ll tell my mom, Remy and Stuart, maybe a few of the others and then I’ll be back.”
“You can’t go tonight. How are you going to get past all the predators?” Travis nodded at the creatures outside of the fence.
“I have an idea,” she said, smiling a bit.
He moved closer to her. “Wait a few days and I’ll go with you.”
It was the sweetest thing anyone had ever offered. He was sick and terrified; it was in his voice, but yet, he’d sneak out with her. “I can’t. Gaar wants to leave in the morning and my mom’s covering for me. I promised that I’d be back in a week. That’s tonight.”
He shook his head. “I don’t like this.”
She gently touched his face and then gave him a quick hug. “I know but I’ll need your help here. Gaar and Mirra can’t find out what I’m planning.”
“You two should get inside,” shouted Gaar as he walked toward the river.
“He’s right. It’s getting too dark to stay outside. I’ll meet you in the building. I need to wash this blood off.” She handed him her backpack. “There are some herbs in here that’ll help you heal. Start heating water. I’ll show you how to use them and to find more in the forest as soon as I get done at the river.”
The rest of the evening was spent preparing herbal teas and tinctures. She sketched a few herbs that she didn’t have in her backpack and instructed Tammie and a few others where they might find the plants in the forest. She also made sure to warn them about the dangers. Gaar continued to teach the healthier Producers how to make and use weapons.
It was dark when Mirra strolled into the building. The Producers scrambled away from her, huddling in groups across the room. Mirra ignored them, finding an unoccupied corner and falling asleep. Once the Producers realized that she was truly asleep they relaxed a little, but still stayed as far away from the Tracker as possible.
After dinner, a few talked for a while but soon everyone was sleeping. Gaar stretched out next to Mirra. This was her chance. They’d both be asleep soon. She lay down on the other side of Mirra, snuggling close. She needed to get as much of the Tracker’s scent on her as possible. Not the pine and herb that Mirra used to mask her scent but the strong odor of the predator.
It was warm and comfortable tucked against Mirra’s side. Her eyes drooped. She dug her claws into her palm. It figured that the night she had to stay awake was the one time that sleep was persistent. She must have dozed a bit because when she jerked awake the moon was high in the sky. She slowly rolled away from Mirra and stood, moving quietly across the room. There was a soft creak from a weak spot on the floor board. She froze. Mirra twitched. Was the Tracker still asleep? She wasn’t sure. She lay down by Travis who was resting near the window as planned.
“Hmm.” He shifted to his side and wrapped his arm around her.
He was warm and strong, heavier than she remembered. More male. Could there ever be anything between them besides friendship?
Mirra’s eyes glowed golden in the dark. The Tracker stared at her for a moment and then rolled over. Soon, her snores filled the room.
“Are you leaving now,” whispered Travis.
His warm breath sent tingles down her neck. She nodded.
“Promise you’ll come back to me. I don’t want to lose you again.” He kissed her temple.
She nodded again. She didn’t want to leave, but she had to. She stood and slipped out the window and into the night.
CHAPTER 18
TRINITY DARTED BEHIND A TREE AS the automated light illuminated the brush. All she had to do was sneak back inside the camp, warn her mom and the others and then help everyone escape. This plan should go smoother than her original one. She snorted. It would be impossible for it to go worse. Especially, since this time the only danger involved was traveling back to the Finishing Camp. Hopefully, that journey would be as uneventful as her trip here.
She’d stayed in the trees as much as possible. She’d passed one of the snail-like predators but it hadn’t moved. It was probably too full of Guard. Later, three Cold Creepers stalked her from the bushes below. They’d stayed with her for several miles and then one of them lifted its head and snorted. It scanned the area, snorted again and then the three slunk off into the bushes. Covering herself in Mirra’s scent must have worked.
The light moved past. She wanted to zip under the fence and race home, but she needed be cautious. Rushing forward without thinking hadn’t worked too well for her the last time. She circled around to the west side of camp and climbed the large oak tree that her dad used to sneak into the encampment. Everything seemed normal, at least what she could see of it. This area was isolated, mostly trees and brush. She inhaled deeply, trying to catch any unusual scents in the air, but the camp was upwind so all she smelled was the slight odor of smoke from the fires.
She started to climb down and then stopped. She didn’t have to crawl back under the fence. She could jump to a tree on the inside of the fence like her dad did. She moved from branch to branch and finally settled on a limb, climbing out as far as possible. It wasn’t as close to the other tree as she’d like, but it’d have to do. She crouched, her muscles tensing. She couldn’t miss. Hitting the ground hurt but landing on the fence rail would cause serious damage. She counted to three and then leapt, grasping the other tree’s limb and pulling herself up. She’d done it! Wait until she told Gaar and Mirra. She frowned. Maybe, she shouldn’t mention it. They probably wouldn’t want to hear about this trip since they weren’t going to be happy with her for escaping.
She dropped to the ground and waited. Nothing moved. She was safe. As safe as she could be in a prison where everyone wa
s eventually slaughtered and eaten. She ran along the fence, moving from shadow to shadow toward her home. She passed a couple of produce carts in Hector’s section. The maze of crates where Randy had kissed her cast shadows in the yard. It seemed like it had happened a lifetime ago not just seven days. She stopped at the back of her house. In a few minutes she’d see her mom. Her hand trembled as she pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The delicious smells of apples, cinnamon and yeast greeted her. Mom’s apple-nut bread. She inhaled deeply, moving down the hallway into the kitchen. Across the room a fire crackled, warming the cozy cottage. Her mom moved loaves of bread off a shelf over the fire and into a basket. Mom was still here. Safe. She’d been pretending that because the camp looked normal it meant that everything was the same as when she’d left, but the truth was that nothing changed when someone was removed from camp. It was a fact of their lives that all Producers were taken at some point.
Mom turned toward the table. There were bags under her eyes and her face was drawn and tight. “Trinity,” she whispered as she tossed the basket on the table and flew across the room, pulling Trinity into a fierce hug.
She hadn’t realized how afraid she’d been until this very moment. Her knees buckled and she leaned against the wall for support. Mom’s familiar scent of lemon and wild flowers surrounded her and the tears that she’d been holding back escaped.
“Shhh, shhh.” Mom stroked Trinity’s hair. “You’re home now.”
She took a deep breath and forced herself to pull away, keeping a hold of her mom’s hands. “I have to tell you...”
“If Randy hurt you or did anything that you didn’t want...”
She almost smiled. “Forget about that. It’s not important.” And it wasn’t, not really. A few days ago it had seemed life changing, but now, it didn’t matter.
Her mom held her gaze. “Trin, you can’t just pretend nothing happened. Whatever he did, it caused you to flee into the woods for days.”
“I didn’t leave because of him.” Well, not entirely. “Didn’t you find my note?” She cringed a bit at the words. She’d been a coward. She should have told her parents that she was leaving. She cringed again. She’d done the same thing to Gaar and Mirra except without the note.
