“I’ll take it.” Today was a good day to splurge.
The coffee seemed to raise everyone’s spirits. For once, no one grumbled about the gruel we ate every morning. Smiles graced every face as we set off in the dark.
The closer we got to the city’s edge, the fewer buildings and debris we had to find a way around. Buildings got shorter, some still in one piece. The stench of Malignants faded.
Again, I thought of the tracker in my arm. Soon, I’d have to make a critical decision, and I wasn’t sure how the others would accept what I would offer them.
The radio crackled, and I called a halt. “Hello, Sharon.”
“Pity about the husband and wife,” she said.
“Their names were Shane and Lara.”
She sighed. “We have a few more spinning the wheel tonight. Perhaps you’ll get someone to take their place.”
While we needed help, I didn’t want anyone to suffer this life. “Some luxury items in our next drop would be nice.”
“It never hurts to ask.” A faint smile tugged at her lips. “You definitely keep me on my toes, Miss Dayholt.” She signed off.
“I think she’s keeping tabs on us,” Ezra said. “She’s never let us know of a wheel night before. Someone either shows up or they don’t. What does she think you’re up to?”
“I’ll let everyone know my thoughts in a day or two.” I set off again. Presenting the offer could get me executed if one of my group was a hard believer of Soriah’s ways.
I wasn’t worried about the lifers or Fawke. He’d make the choice to stay. Gage worried me, though, because I still got hard looks when she didn’t think I watched her. The more time I spent with Fawke, the more glares I got. Surely, she knows his plans on no attachments this close to his release.
Morning arrived earlier as we stepped out of the shadows of the city buildings. A large field of dead brush and grass stretched as far as the eye could see. I took a deep breath of air not rancid with Malignants or gas fires. Not as clean as the manufactured air of Soriah, but better than what we’d had before.
I glanced again at my arm. Tomorrow, I’d present the offer. Today, we’d rest. Maybe do some sparring, while we waited for the supply drop and to see whether anyone new arrived. If so, I’d have to decide how to handle them when I told the others of my plan. A newcomer might not be willing to stay.
Already, I missed my mother, knowing I might never see her again. I glanced at Fawke. I’d miss him, too. More than I cared to admit.
19
The others were more than happy to have a day of rest after days of fighting and clearing a path. Today, would most likely be our last day for a supply drop, not that I’d told the others yet. At least it would be my last day.
I’d pondered many times over the last few days on what my future held and it didn’t include living under the strict rules of Soriah. My mother had once told me I had the heart of a rebel. I think she was more right than she knew. My heart ached at not seeing her again, and I prayed she wouldn’t suffer repercussions of my actions. If things went right, she’d think me dead along with everyone else and would have the chance to grieve.
While the others sparred, I wandered the area not finding signs of any other living creature, four-legged or two. The tension that had become a part of me started to melt away.
Giggles, then a shriek of outrage, drew my attention back to the others. Fawke had whacked Gage in the rear with his stick. His laughter caused my heart to jump.
Gage parried with a thrust to the stomach. Where before sparring had a serious tone, today’s was playful.
A longing to join in consumed me only to be squelched. Some of them would hate me by morning. Some, like Ezra and Kira, even the former prisoners, might join me. A life on the mountain might be more preferable to them than the rest of their lives as Stalkers.
Fawke caught me watching and headed my way, leaving Gage with a petulant look on her face. With a toss of her ponytail, she marched to spar with Jolt.
“She’s in love with you,” I said.
“Nah, she loves any man. Craves male companionship. She’s pretty enough, but her neediness turns people off.” He studied my face so long, I turned my head. “You’re leaving.”
“You know what Soriah will require of us once we find the survivors. They’ll kill everyone of us so words of hope that life out here is possible doesn’t reach the poorest of Soriah. I can’t be a part of that.” I scuffed my foot in the dirt rather than meet his gaze.
“That might not happen.” He sounded curt.
“But, it might. After almost ten years out here, are you willing to take that chance? They may not let you back.”
“I’ve considered that.” With his finger, he tilted my head up until our gazes locked. “I think I’m willing to take that chance. I’ve given them everything during my time. Two years more isn’t such a hardship.”
“But my ten years just started.” I pulled away.
“Your mother—”
“Will think me dead. She’ll be okay.” I made a move to walk away, only to have him grab my arm. Over his shoulder, I noticed the others watching, concern and confusion on their faces.
“Your choice will have me failing my assignment for the second time.”
“I’m sorry. That’s one more reason for you to seriously think about your decision.”
“Then now is the time to tell them.” He pulled me back to the others. “Our leader has something to say.” He gave me a push.
“I thought you agreed with my decision.” I glared.
“At first, but now I see how foolish it is.”
“What?” Ezra crossed his arms. “I know you’ve been pondering something for days. Something that involves every one of us. Your face always gives you away.”
“I’m not going to remain under Soriah’s control.” I squared my shoulders and looked at each face in turn. “I’m going to fake my death.”
“How?” Riva asked, her brow furrowed.
“By cutting out my tracker and letting them think me dead.”
“Why?” Moses shook his head. “It’s insane.”
“Soriah will want us to find the rebels. They’ll know their location by our trackers. After that, we’re all expendable.” I lifted my chin.
“You think they’ll kill us before attacking the rebels,” Ezra said.
“I do. This is a decision each of you must make for yourself. Once I’ve removed my tracker, I’m going to ask the mountain community to allow me refuge.” I stood there, still as stone while the others conversed among themselves.
After several long minutes, Ezra spoke. “We’d like today to think about which path we choose.”
“I agree. It’s an important decision, and not one to be taken likely.” With a harsh glare at Fawke for forcing my hand, I headed across the expanse of dead grass to find solitude and wait for the supply drop. For once Fawke didn’t seek me out. I figured he was discussing the news I’d dropped with the others.
I glanced up as a chopper circled. A few seconds later, the white of a parachute shined in the gray sky. Without the threat of Malignants, I got to my feet and strolled toward the drop. I grasped one handle and started dragging it back to camp. Seeing my struggle, Dante raced to help.
“I’m coming with you,” he said. “I don’t need to think it over.”
“You’re close to release time. Are you sure?”
“I’ve nothing waiting for me in Soriah.”
“Except a life of luxury.”
“If they don’t kill me as you said.” He grinned, his teeth flashing against his dark skin. “Besides, a life of luxury will make me fat and lazy.”
I laughed. “I’ll be glad to have you with me.”
“Who knows? Maybe my charm will win you over, and you’ll have my babies.” He winked and gave a cheeky grin.
My laughter increased, attracting the attention of the rest of our group. With serious expressions, they watched as Dante and I carried the crate to t
hem.
“What about our supplies?” Kira asked.
“We’ll split it evenly among those who stay and those who go.” I was still their leader as long as the chip remained under my skin.
Ezra pried open the crate revealing our usual supplies along with coffee, two loaves of bread, and something in a jar. “What’s that?”
Lotus smiled. “That’s a butter to spread on bread. It’s made from berries and nuts.” She rubbed her hands together.
“Let’s have us a feast,” I said. People thought better when relaxed with a full belly.
Kira made coffee and sliced the bread, handing each of us a slice slathered with the brown spread. “We probably should have saved one of the loaves, but what the heck. We’re splitting up soon anyway.”
“I’ve made my choice.” Dante took a big bite. “I’m going with Crynn. I would have a hard time adjusting to that lifestyle after nine years out here.”
“Look.” Gage pointed as another chopper appeared.
Two people jumped out. I groaned. Newcomers could put a kink in my plan.
“Guess you’ve got to explain to two more how you’re turning rebel.” Fawke narrowed his eyes.
I shrugged. The newcomers might be the easiest to convince since they’d still be shocked about the wheel landing on black. “No need to meet them. No Malignants to attack. Let them come to us.”
“All I have left of the bread is the hard ends,” Kira said.
“They’ll be glad of it.” I finished my slice and wiped my hands on my leather skirt, then got to my feet to stand and greet the newcomers.
Two males, identical twins, approached us. I turned to Ezra. “Has this ever happened before?”
“Not that I know of.”
“Poor fools.” Moses shook his head. “Well, I reckon I’ve made my choice, too, Crynn. I’m a lifer. What have I got to lose? I’ll be joining you.”
“As will I.” Ezra nodded.
“Me, too,” Kira said. “We’re stuck here no matter what.”
“I don’t want to stay here.” Gage glanced up, her expression grave. “I’ve nine more years. How will I survive out here alone?”
“Fawke’s staying,” I said, knowing that would cement her decision. “Maybe these twins will, too.”
“Great. Two who can’t fight.” She licked her fingers and glanced at the radio.
“Don’t,” Fawke said. “Don’t betray those you’ve fought alongside by calling Sharon.”
“Whatever.” She pasted on a smile as the twins joined us.
“Welcome. I’m Crynn Dayholt, the leader. Make yourselves comfortable.” I’d let them settle in a while before letting them know what was going on.
“Ted and Ned. Guess you know why we’re here. I’m Ted, in gray. Ned wears black.” They both accepted the bread from Kira.
“Why don’t you have any weapons?” I tilted my head.
“We spun the wheel, ate a big meal, and got flown out the next morning. We were able to grab a few food items.” Ted shrugged out of his pack and handed it to me.
“It was weird,” his brother said. “I spun first, the needle landing on black. Some old hag said since we’re twins, the decision counted for us both.”
I raised my brows at Fawke. He shrugged, but didn’t say anything.
These two were Shane and Lara’s replacements. Those in charge waited for an opportunity to replace them, knowing we’d have held onto their weapons. Hope rose in me. This meant they had no idea what I planned to do.
Talk returned to plans of staying and going. Gage was more than happy to explain to the twins.
They glanced at me in alarm. “The chips,” Ted said.
“Won’t kill us,” I answered. “We’ve tested them.”
“Monsters?”
“Back there.” I jerked my thumb over my shoulder. “They don’t like open spaces.”
“So, if we go with you we won’t have to fight them?” A hopeful expression crossed Ned’s face. “We were told about them by the pilot right before he told us to jump.”
“I can’t promise you that. Just be glad you didn’t have to fight your way to us. You don’t have to make your decision now.”
“It’s an easy one. We’ve been orphans since the age of ten. We’re staying.” Ned glanced at his brother who nodded. “No one will miss us when we die, real death or fake.”
Fawke made a noise in his throat and marched away.
My heart sank. With every person who made the decision to follow me, left him with one less fighter. He’d return to danger of the burning city with a much smaller group. If I knew him as well as I thought I did, he’d return even if he returned alone.
“Let him be,” I said when Gage made a move to follow him.
“You are no longer my leader.” She planted her fists on her hips.
“I am as long as this chip is in my arm.” I narrowed my eyes. “If you go now, you’ll make him resentful. Learn to read his body language if you plan on spending the next two years with him.”
Face darkening, she climbed into the tent like a pouting teenager. I sighed and shook my head, hoping she’d listen to Ezra and not contact Sharon. If she did, the life of every person who said they’d follow me would be forfeit. Our deaths ordered.
Fawke might hesitate if told to kill us, but Gage wouldn’t spare a second thought at getting rid of me. I exhaled heavily. “I need everyone’s decision by night fall.”
“The three of us will go,” Riva said. “We’ve nothing back there. Once they released us from prison, we knew we were here for life.”
That left only Fawke and Gage, the two survivors of our group, to explain to Sharon what had befallen us. I nodded, wondering whether he’d blame our deaths on Malignants or the survival group.
“Formation!” I grabbed my weapons as a large group of men and women sprinted toward us.
Fawke dashed back to my side. “You’re still my assignment as long as you have your chip.”
I smiled and raised my weapon. “Do not fire unless fired upon. They may be friendly.” A fact confirmed a minute later as they waved a white flag.
Lowering my gun, I held up my hand, recognizing Lloyd leading the group. His unsmiling face had me raising my weapon again.
Too late. We were outnumbered two-to-one. The survivors formed a circle around us.
20
“Drop your weapons,” Lloyd said. “You won’t win this fight.”
“We didn’t harm your man.” I glared as my weapons were taken, and my hands tied behind my back. “Why repay us this way?”
“Our leader wants to meet with you.” He motioned for a man with a knife to step forward.
Before I knew what was happening, he’d cut the chip from my arm and crushed it under his boot. I gritted my teeth against the pain as he moved from one of my group to the other doing the same.
“Guess the decision of whether to go or stay was made for me.” Fawke’s face darkened.
“I’m sorry.” I blinked back the tears wanting to spring forth. “I didn’t plan this.”
Gage screamed as they cut her, making things worse as she struggled. Stupid girl. If she didn’t stop fighting, she’d be cut too deep and bleed to death.
“Stop.” Fawke must have thought the same thing. “Squirming is only going to hurt you.”
“So, we’re all basically dead?” Riva frowned as one of the scouts wrapped a rag around her cut.
“Yeah.” I winced as my bandage was tightened. At least that was what I hoped Soriah would know.
Lloyd shot the radio with my gun. It flew off the wagon and lay smoldering in the weeds. “You won’t need that where we’re going.”
“Where are we going?”
“Up there. We’ve got quite a hike.” He turned and headed away from the city, leaving the others to keep my group in a tight cluster.
We should never have let our guard down. Guilt ripped a hole in my chest. I’d foolishly thought us safe since the Malignants didn’t venture out.
How wrong I’d been. I hung my head and trudged along, feeling lonelier than ever without Fawke trying to raise my spirits as usual.
I gave him a sideways glance. A muscle ticked in his jaw as he stared straight ahead. I sighed and followed, trying to ignore the throbbing in my arm.
Would Sharon believe a group our size would have no survivors? I wouldn’t. Half maybe, but not this many. I glanced over my shoulder, the ruined radio too far now to see, but would it have been better to leave it intact? Of course, if Sharon called and didn’t see bodies…
What did the community’s leader want with us? Would we be tortured and killed for information about Soriah and President Cane?
“Act like the leader you are,” Fawke hissed. “Hold your head up. Don’t show weakness.”
“So, you’re talking to me now?”
He exhaled sharply through his nose. “This isn’t your fault. Bad luck. That’s all. Maybe it’s the Supreme Being’s plan for me to leave Soriah. I can’t tell the future.”
“You’re so good at adapting.”
“A person has to out here.” He didn’t smile at me, his eyes didn’t twinkle, but at least he spoke to me. I’d take what I could get.
Deciding to resume my role as leader, I squared my shoulders and pushed through the men surrounding us to reach Lloyd. “What does your leader want with us?”
“To talk.”
“When you joined us the other night, then left, was this the plan all along?”
He laughed. “Pretty smart, huh? Act all friendly, get you to let down your guard, then swoop in, taking you and the supplies.”
“Your leader doesn’t know.” The man lied.
“No, he doesn’t, but he’ll be as pleased as someone who’d scored a piece of chocolate.” Wrinkles spread from the corners of his eyes as he grinned. “We’ve taken a good number away from Soriah. Fighters. Oh, yes, he’ll be happy about us bringing you all in.”
“What will happen to us?”
“That depends on whether you pass the tests.”
“What kind of tests?”
His laughter grew. “You won’t like them, but they’re entertaining for the community.”
The Wheel: A Young Adult Dystopian Novel (Nightfall Book 1) Page 12