Roachia 02 Home By Sunset

by Cindy Combs

  "Naomi's little brat," Hayburn continued, studying Blair with an intensity that sent shivers down the boy's back. "Where's your mommy, little brat?"

  Anger rising from his sick stomach unfroze Blair's mouth. "None of your business."

  Hayburn laughed harshly. "Oh really, now. Naomi would have been my woman if it wasn't for you. Maybe now she'll change her mind. Why don't you be a good boy and tell me?"

  "NO!" Blair declared stubbornly, trying to wiggle out of Hayburn's painful hold.

  The man studied him a moment more. "I bet Naomi isn't here, is she?"

  "Let me go!"

  "You're all by your lonesome, little brat? Then maybe you should be my boy."

  Cold fear now joined the hate and anger churning Blair's stomach. He didn't want to have anything to do with the man he considered evil.

  Suddenly, the rock the older boys were batting flew into the crowd, causing people to scatter. With Hayburn's attention on the rock, Blair managed to kick him in the knee. Hayburn released Blair's arm to grab the injury, allowing Blair to dash into the crowd.

  Running hard, Blair weaved in and out of the tents until he dropped behind a barrel near the aid station. He curled up out of sight, struggling to control his heavy breathing and rubbing his arm where Hayburn had held him. He'd probably have another large bruise, like he did when Hayburn had backhanded him for dropping a basket. Closing his eyes, Blair remembered Uncle Michael running up furious, ordering the man to leave Serenity by nightfall. With the backing of the others at the commune, Hayburn had been forced to comply.

  Only now, Uncle Michael wasn't there to protect him. That fact removed any doubt in Blair's mind. He had to escape tonight and find his father before Hayburn could find him again.

  "Ima..."

  "RUN!"

  Blair woke with a start, pulling the blanket tighter around him. He listened intently while he leaned against the boulder's solid form. The camp was quiet, with only a couple lights here and there. But what Blair was planning to do would suffer from illumination. Glancing up, the boy thanked the Creator when he saw that the moons were covered by a thick layer of clouds. Only the faint light from the nearby city reflecting off the clouds allowed the boy to see.

  Quietly, he folded the blanket and draped it over his arm. The strap of the satchel was pulled over his head. Ready to move, Blair cautiously peered over the boulder, searching for the guards. Seeing no one, he slipped through the night to the nearest dark tent.

  It took some time to sneak quietly from tent to tent, being careful not to alert anyone to his presence. Finally, Blair was across from the boulder that interrupted the fencing. He looked right, then left, then laid on his belly. Crawling as silently as he could, Blair was nearly half-way to the fence when he spotted one of the guards, flashlight in his hands.

  Oh, man! His heart plunged into his stomach, fear freezing him in place. He could scarcely breathe as the man walked along the outside of the fence. The light swept the ground, coming to within a foot of where Blair lay. Closing his eyes, Blair was certain he had been caught.

  But nothing happened. A few moments later, Blair opened his eyes and raised his head. The guard was continuing his circuit, his back to where the boy laid. As soon as the light disappeared around a bend, Blair scooted to the fence.

  The boulder's top was bigger than its base, leaving an opening close to the ground. Blair folded the blanket into a tighter roll, then shoved it through. Next was the satchel. Then Blair grasped the cut edge of the fence, trying to make the hole a little bigger. The metal tore at his hands as Blair tugged at it, but it moved a couple of inches. Holding it in place, Blair slipped first one leg, then the other through. The rest of his body followed, his hand holding the fencing last.

  Looking around, Blair didn't see any more of the guards. Yet that didn't mean there wasn't one coming. Blair grabbed his stuff and dashed to the large boulders on the other side of the path. He had barely reached them when he spotted the light of another guard making a circuit. Swiftly, he dropped behind one of the large boulders. As still as the rocks around him, he watched as the guard walked past his escape route without even a hint he knew there had been an escape. Once he, too, had disappeared around the bend, Blair started climbing the embankment. He was on his way to keeping his promise.

  Late next morning, outskirts of Odinland

  By morning, the clouds were releasing their burden of moisture into the ground. Blair had slipped under a wooden porch of a building, trying to keep from getting too soaked. He looked out at the train cars lined up in various directions. Fear again rose up in his chest. He was lost in a strange city, with no idea how to find Harbor Bay.

  When he'd woken up that morning from his hiding place under a bush, Blair had figured it would be easy. All street corners on Claria had signs that pointed to the various towns and communes. He just had to find the one that said 'Harbor Bay' and start walking in that direction. Sooner or later, he'd find it.

  However, Blair hadn't found a corner with a sign pointing to Harbor Bay. He hadn't even seen a sign that said Laurian Province. In fact, he wasn't quite sure what a lot of the signs meant. There were a lot more here than he'd ever seen back on the island. Nor did he dare ask for directions. Thanks to his teachers at the advanced school, Blair could understand most of what the citizens around him were saying. Yet he was scared to talk for fear they'd realize he was Clarian and toss him back into the tents. Blair didn't want to have to escape again.

  He was also hungry. He'd eaten his biscuit that morning and his stomach was demanding more. Yet he couldn't find an open air market selling food like on Claria. It was too risky to walk into a shop where he'd have less of a chance of escaping if found out. At least the tiny park he'd found had a water fountain. Blair had filled his cup several times and tried to convince his stomach it should be grateful for what it could get. His stomach really wasn't buying it, though.

  Blair ducked back close to the ground when two pairs of boot-clad feet splashed past him. He held his breath when the men paused above him.

  "I can't believe Jane gave me salsa chips again."

  "Well, maybe you picked up Tommy's lunch instead."

  "I still won't eat them. You want 'em?"

  "Nah, too cold. Besides, I'll get a hot meal in the engine once we head out." The soft swish of bags going into the trash reached Blair's ears.

  "Which run are you on?"

  "The Laurian hauler."

  Blair perked up in interest. It was the first time he'd heard anyone mention Laurian.

  "Ah, the fuel and fish run. Isn't that usually Perkin's?"

  "Yeah, but he's out sick and I need the extra cash."

  "Well, you better bundle up..."

  The voices faded away. Once Blair was sure they were gone, he crawled out from under the porch. Checking to make sure he was alone, he slipped above the boards and looked in the trash can. He pulled out two paper bags, then jumped back down under the porch. Searching the bags, Blair quickly finished a half- eaten 'wich. Then he slipped the bag of chips and a piece of fruit into the satchel. He couldn't waste any more time eating. He had a train to find.

  In spite of the rain, Blair searched for the train heading to Laurian. Holding a piece of board he'd found over his head and shoulders, Blair slipped between the rail cars. There were so many cars and he had no idea which ones were the right ones. He ducked back when he saw two men walking along the track.

  "Ernie, make sure these cars are attached to the Laurian hauler. They'll be leaving soon and these shipments need to go."

  Peeking around the car, Blair saw the man talking waving his hand at a string of cars on the next track. Noticing that the side door on one was open, Blair quickly scrambled across the rough gravel. He ducked under the car when he saw the other man walking his way. With great care, Blair watched him look down the line, then turn back. Once his attention was on the switch handle at the end of the track, Blair made his move. Standing up, he tossed his blanket and satchel i
nside first. Then he grabbed a hold of the bar on the door just barely within his reach. Squirming and pulling, he finally managed to get inside.

  It was fairly dark within the car, lit only by the rainy gloom of the outside. Several tall cubes made up of shipping boxes filled the inside. Peering through the thick layers of plastic-wrap, Blair tried to read the label. He thought it said something about fish. Looking over his shoulder, Blair realized he would be easily spotted if someone came to the door. He had to hide.

  There was just barely enough room between the cubes for the boy to squeeze through. Once through all the cubes, Blair spotted the outline of a small door on the end of the rail car. Wondering if anyone would come through that way, he was about to check it when he heard someone at the side door. Ducking, Blair curled up behind a cube. With an ear-piercing squeal, the side door was closed, leaving him in the dark.

  Feeling his way, the boy set his blanket on the wooden floorboards and spread it out. The space felt closed off and stuffy. Blair could feel his muscles tighten with each passing second in the dark. Suddenly a hard jolt shook through the car. Scared, Blair held his satchel tight to his chest. Then the car was yanked the other way, slowly moving the car forward. After a couple more jolts and yanks, the car moved forward again, slowly picking up speed until it was traveling at a steady pace.

  Curious, Blair crawled forward until he reached the end of the car. By touch alone, he found a lever. After a few tries, he finally felt it move down and the small door he had seen opened outward. Fresh air, moist from the rain, flowed into his hiding hole along with a bit of light. After a couple of bangs against the side of the car, the door stuck open. Blair didn't mind. He crawled back to his blanket nest and pulled out the bag of chips. He was heading to Laurian Province and was one step closer to finding his father.

  Early next morning

  The slowing of the car woke Blair from his doze. His stomach growled again, reminding him that it hadn't been fed in a long time. The pink light from the dawn radiated in through the open door. Blair crawled over and cautiously poked his head out. It looked like they were in another yard of train cars. Was it Laurian? Debating on whether to stay in the car or get out, Blair's growling stomach made the decision. He really needed to find some food and water.

  Gathering his stuff in preparation to move quickly, Blair knelt by the hatch. Enduring a couple of hard jolts, he waited until the train had come to a full stop. He checked again to make sure that the coast was clear. Then he slipped through the opening, his feet slipping and sliding on the slick metal coupling. Once his feet found purchase, Blair managed to finish his climb out and dropped to the track below. Keeping his head down, he scurried across the rails and rough gravel.

  Ducking behind a small shed, Blair took his first look around. There were trains and tracks in all directions. Somewhere was the direction to Harbor Bay and his father. He just had to find it. Spotting some larger buildings, Blair stood up and picked his way over. Maybe there'd be some food there and a sign pointing to Harbor Bay.

  Food appeared unexpectedly when he walked around one of the cars. On the ground was a broken crate, green fruit like he'd received at the camp spilling out the side. Blair's eyes grew wide at the unexpected bounty. Dashing over to the crate, he picked up a fruit and took a bite. It tasted so sweet and juicy. Within seconds, the hungry boy had eaten it to the core. Then Blair grabbed several more, stuffing them into his satchel.

  "HEY! What are you doing there, boy!"

  Blair jumped up with a start. Spotting the angry man walking in his direction, he swiftly turned and ran. He dodged between and under cars, squirming through tight spots the larger man couldn't possibly fit. Soon, he was past the train yard and running into the town beyond.

  A small park, lush and deep gray-green, drew the frightened child. Its tall Dankwood trees, the sharp-tooth gray leaves covering each set of multiple trunks, promised cover. Ducking behind a tree, Blair struggled to catch his breath. The town seemed even bigger than Odinland. Blair didn't even know its name. Suddenly, the fear of being caught was multiplied by the fear of being lost and alone. It swamped him, freezing him to the tree's slender trunks. Taking another deep, shaky breath, the boy pushed back his fear. He had to find Harbor Bay. Sitting here scared wouldn't help.

  Again drawing on his stubborn nature, the boy pushed himself off the ground and dusted off his pants. Glancing at his hands, Blair suddenly realized just how dirty they were. Mom would have really yelled at him, if she could have see him. Shoving away the intense sadness that particular thought produced, Blair marched over to the nearby creek.

  A short while later, a bit cleaner and stomach full of fruit, Blair wandered the streets. Unnoticed by the people hurrying to start the morning, he soaked up the sights, searching for any bit of information that might lead him to his father.

  "...Looks like more rain tonight..."

  "...Did you see Stanton U pummel Tech?"

  "You bet! That was some game..."

  "...Did you get your mother off?"

  "Yeah, I dropped her off at the Express station last night. She should have hit Harbor Bay this morning, then reach Poodunk tomorrow..."

  Express station! Blair remembered seeing the pictures of the double-decked buses that carried people to various cities on the mainland. Now all he had to do was find the station, buy a ticket, and he'd be all set. Searching the streets, Blair finally spotted the sign with a double-decked bus, pointing to the Express station. He turned to follow, a bounce to his steps that had been missing since the invasion.

  It was a long hike through the hot city streets to the station. Blair's feet grew sore as his pace slowed. But by late afternoon, he finally reached it. Unconsciously straightening his shoulders, Blair took a deep breath and opened the large, heavy door.

  It was cooler inside. Blair wandered through the large open area, staring up at the pointed ceiling three levels above his head. There were people here and there, sitting in chairs and keeping their hands busy while they waited. But overall, the place echoed in emptiness. A large flat board was mounted in the middle of the area. Blair stopped in front, studying the large map. He found a star labeled 'You are Here'. So, I'm in Davenport. He also found a dot labeled 'Harbor Bay'. But the schedule of bus arrivals and departures mystified him. Oh well, surely the ticket should say when the bus leaves?

  Searching the large room with his eyes, he finally spotted a sign over a window that said, 'Purchase Tickets Here'. Praying he remembered how to speak Basic as well as he understood it, Blair marched over to the window. He stood up on his tiptoes so that his face was higher than the ledge. Remembering all the times he had said it in class, Blair politely greeted, "Hello, sir."

  The old man with a pointy nose and glasses stared at him. "What do you want?" he asked in a tone that made Blair feel he wasn't worthy of the gentleman's time.

  "I like to buy a ticket to Harbor Bay," Blair replied, worrying he was conjugating the verb wrong.

  "Go away, kid." The old man waved him off. "Go back to your parents." He slammed the door to the window down, effectively dismissing Blair from his presence.

  "But I want to go to my father's," Blair whispered, disheartened. He slowly turned away from the window. Fearfully worrying about what to do now, he wandered back into the empty station.

  "Hey, kid!"

  Blair turned to see an older teenager wave him over. After glancing around to see if there was anyone else the guy could be talking to, Blair slowly walked over.

  The thin young man was studying him, taking in the dirty clothes, exhausted face, and the hungry eyes. "You in a bit of a jam, kid?" There was concern in the face.

  Uncertain what he meant, Blair replied softly, "I just want a ticket to Harbor Bay. My father is there."

  "Well, can't blame you. Doesn't look like they're treating you well here." He leaned over to Blair. "I'll get the ticket for you, if you don't mind giving me something extra."

  "I don't have much extra," Blair replied
slowly, not quite sure what the teen meant. If he meant money, Blair wasn't even sure he had enough for a ticket.

  "How much do you have?"

  Backing up a step, Blair eyed the guy cautiously as he pulled out his mom's hand purse from the satchel. He pulled the bills slightly out, quickly recounting the amount.

  "What's that, there?"

  Confused, Blair glanced down to see what he was pointing at. A small piece of folded cardboard had slid out with the bills. "Stamps," he replied.

  "I don't think I've seen any like those before," the teen replied. "What province are they from?"

  Blair paused, fear warring with the need for a ticket. Finally, the ticket won. "Claria Island."

  The hazel eyes widened a moment, then the calm facade returned. "Sounds like you're in more trouble than I thought." The teen paused a moment, thinking over the situation. "Still, those stamps are going to be worth something now. I'll make you a deal. I'll trade you a ticket to Harbor Bay for those stamps and half the price of the ticket. What do you say?"

  Blair's eyes were glowing. The stamps didn't mean anything to him, but if they could get him a ticket, they were worth more than gold. "It is a deal."

  The older boy's name was Dillon. He was working a summer job in one of the furniture factories, sending most of his check back to his grandmother and little cousin in Manhaven. "There isn't anyone else, and we need money to pay for Gram's doctor bills," Dillon explained matter-of-factly. "I'm here waiting for a package from home."

  He directed Blair to a section in the back, filled with machines. Dillon showed him how to put a couple of coins into the slot, punch a button, and whatever the button was labeled would fall into the tray below. Blair was fascinated. He'd never seen anything like it before.