by KM Fortune
RAVEN HEARD THE SHOUTING, and she could tell Kit noticed it too. Is that over me? she thought and sincerely hoped not. It was not how she wanted to make her entrance with these new people. Just then she heard a small girl’s voice. “Who are you?” she asked sounding inquisitive and with no fear.
Raven looked and saw a sweet face curtained with long black hair and punctuated with large dark eyes. The little girl walked toward the fire. Kit was beside her in a flash, scooping her up and pulling her away from Raven. The girl protested.
“Stop it, Kit, you're holding me too tight!” she said. She struggled in Kit’s arms. Raven smiled at the child.
"Don't wiggle too much. Kit's just trying to keep you safe," Raven said as she looked and caught Kit's eye. "But I want you both to know I would give my own life before I would ever harm a child."
Kit relaxed a little. The little girl squirmed free, but it was evident Kit would grab her again in a second if she made a move closer to Raven. Fair enough, Raven thought. “My name is Raven,” she said looking at the child. “What is yours?”
“Mouse,” the girl said confidently. “And I'm five.” She held up her hand to show five fingers.
Raven laughed happily. She realized she missed children. This one was adorable. "Five! Well, you're almost a grown up," Raven said. The girl smiled proudly. "It's so nice to meet you, Mouse."
“Where is all your hair?” Mouse blurted.
Raven touched the stubble on her scalp and smiled. “I think it all fell out,” she said. Mouse laughed.
“You're funny,” she said and turned to Kit. “Why are you guys sitting out here?”
Kit and Raven’s eyes met. Well, that's a tricky question, she thought. Kit shrugged and glanced away. Raven frowned. That's no help. She looked back at the child.
“We're waiting,” she said.
"For what?" Mouse asked, and Raven remembered how fun kids were at five. "Well," Raven said racking her brain for a good answer. Before she could reply, the red-haired man she had met before stepped into the light.
“She's waiting for me,” he said to Mouse. “And you are in big trouble, little lady.”
CHAPTER 2
THE FRIGID WINTER WIND snuck in around the folds of Matthew's parka and he shivered. This cold is ridiculous, he thought. A lifetime of working in a laboratory in the underground colony of Eden, with only short daytime expeditions outside once a month, had in no way prepared him for the subzero night temperature he was standing in at the moment. Shuffling his feet to try and generate at least a little extra body heat, he pulled back his sleeve and checked the watch on his wrist again. Ten minutes and I can wake up the next guy. Matthew could not be happier. The guard watch was boring and, in his opinion, pretty worthless. It was pitch black and the wind whistled across the snowy plains all around him. Standing there at the edge of the camp’s perimeter armed with a combat rifle, he knew even if someone were out there, he would never know it. An exercise in futility, he thought, but Matthew knew better than to point his opinion out to his squad leader. The man barely tolerated Matthew's presence as it was considering his green recruit status. It was undoubtedly why Matthew was stuck on the coldest predawn guard shift.
Deciding he had done his duty and it was close enough to when he was supposed to be finished, Matthew headed back to the group of large military tents set up at the center of the small, long-abandoned and collapsed airport. As he walked, stepping carefully in the dark to avoid busting his ankle, he stopped when he heard voices. Listening, he realized he was behind the main headquarters tent. Lantern light spilled out in a thin line along the ground under the canvas side. The platoon officer was speaking. Probably figuring out the plan for tomorrow, Matthew thought and started to move on. Just then he heard his squad leader reply to a question. “Ideally, we can clean sweep this whole quadrant by the end of the day. There will be nothing left,” he said. “If the witch is out there, we will find her.”
Matthew felt his mouth go dry and he leaned closer to the tent canvas trying to learn as much as he could. Do they have reason to think Raven is in the area? Or are they only guessing?
“Perfect,” he heard the platoon officer reply. “Personally I think the thing is a rotting corpse in a ditch somewhere at this point, but it’s far past the time we cleared out the Waste People in this area anyway. The heretics spread like lice.” Matthew could hear the disgust in the man’s voice even through the muffle of the tent’s cloth. The squad leader grunted his agreement. The officer continued. “Plus the labs are asking for fresh samples. We need to capture as many female specimens alive as possible. Tell your men to aim their shots, not spray and pray. Understood?”
“Loud and clear,” the squad leader said. “This is going to be fun.”
AS WILLOW STOOD ASIDE and listened, the debate was finally winding down. The general consensus was to leave the shelter as soon as possible after first light. Blue was no longer defending his desire to stay in place and was instead glowering in the corner near the hearth. Soon she knew she would have to give her official consent. She sighed. Life has been good at this location, she thought. Three winters had come and gone. A warm natural spring was nearby to provide them year round water. Game, even if mostly jack rabbits, was plentiful. The shelter was big enough everyone had a space to call their own. The greatest blessing though was Stump’s wife’s pregnancy. Only just now showing, Willow eagerly anticipated the birth of a new life among them in a few more months. Better to put this move behind us now. It will give us plenty of time to find a safe spot for the baby to be born. Unfortunately, she did not know exactly where that would be.
She heard someone beside her and turned to see Twig. He was a tall teenager, thin as a reed, and shy, but he worked hard and was kind. Willow liked him. “Hello, Twig,” she said. “Is everything okay? If you're worried about Mouse, I am confident Blaze has tracked her down and they will be back soon.”
Twig shook his head. “No, that's not it,” he said. He held out a closed fist. “I found something when I was dressing the buck Blaze carried back.” Willow nodded having a good idea what the boy had found.
“I see. And what is it?” she asked. Twig opened his hand. In his palm was a lead slug from a rifle bullet. Willow looked at it then shifted her look back to Twig’s face. His eyes showed a hint of fear even though he was trying hard not to show it.
“Blaze’s arrow didn't kill that deer,” he said. “Someone shot it and none of us had a rifle.”
Willow nodded. She had been smart enough to stash the stranger’s rifle she had taken earlier before anyone noticed. Now, however, she was at a loss of how to explain. “Did you tell your father about this?” she asked. Twig shook his head.
“Not yet,” he replied. “Pa is so stressed about mom being pregnant and all, I wanted to ask you about it first.” Willow smiled.
“You shouldn't keep things from your pa, Twig. But I understand. Thank you for bringing it to me.” She took the slug from his palm. Twig looked disappointed.
“So you don't think it was the Patrols?” he asked. Before Willow could answer, she saw Blaze walk back into the room. He carried Mouse in his arms. The stranger and Kit were following behind him.
Willow patted Twig on the shoulder. “Go sit with your family,” she said. “I think it will all make sense to you in a minute.” Twig turned to follow her gaze just as the room went quiet.
“SHE’S A SPY,” BLUE said pointing his finger across the room at Raven. The port wine birthmark on his face flushed scarlet in his frustration. “How can you not see it? The Patrols sent her to trick us.” Willow rubbed her temple and felt a headache coming on. She was tired, hungry, and fed up with the arguing all night. She had no idea what to make of the strange woman Blaze found, but a spy seemed unlikely. Why would they bother? she thought. If they think we are in the area, they will simply hunt us down. Before she could answer, Blaze jumped to Raven’s defense.
“She’s not a spy, you idiot,” he said as his face reddened with a
nger. “She’s just a wanderer.”
“Fine,” Blue snapped and turned to where Raven knelt near the hearth beside Kit. “Where are you from, stranger?” Willow watched as the woman paused. It was obvious she was trying to think of a good answer and one was not forthcoming. Willow did not like it. What if she is a spy?
Finally, the woman responded. “I’m from far away,” she said. “A place none of you could have visited. But I mean you no harm.” Willow watched the reactions of the others around the room. Suspicion and doubt were on everyone’s faces. The story did sound impossible. A lone woman walking across the plains? How could she survive?
Willow looked at Kit. She was protective of the woman, which was unusual for the shy girl. She never trusted strangers, in fact, she hardly trusted the people in her own clan half the time. So why this woman? Willow resolved to talk to Kit alone as soon as she could. Right now she just wanted to sit down and eat some of the deer meat Dawn was roasting over the fire. People were hungry for fresh meat after the two weeks in hiding, plus Willow noted it was nearing breakfast time. Early morning daylight was starting to seep in through the holes in the ceiling. The night was gone with all the arguing. Willow was willing to let the matter rest while the clan ate, but unfortunately, Blue was not done with his argument over the stranger. He moved to the center of the room and made sure everyone was paying attention. “Spy or not, you must admit she is what the Patrols are looking for. Even you can’t deny it, Blaze,” he said. Willow watched Blaze avert his eyes. She knew he thought Blue was right. Willow had deduced the same thing. It seemed too much a coincidence to not be true. Blue did not miss Blaze’s reaction. “See! You think so too. We can’t let her stay here. She will bring them down on us.” There were murmurs from the group now. Blue’s words were frightening to consider. Willow was starting to agree. Even Blaze was quiet.
“But we can use her to our advantage,” Blue continued with a smile of triumph on his face. “We can bargain with the Patrols. They want her so we will give her to them in exchange for safe passage south.”
CHAPTER 3
HECTOR, THE CAT MUTANT, crouched in the shadow of the collapsed airplane hangar and watched the Patrols prepare to mobilize. By his count, there were twenty men plus a couple of leaders. And let’s not forget to count the man strutting around with a large gold cross around his neck and sword on his hip. Now that is the kind of hardware which belongs on a regal beast like me, he thought with a purr. Unfortunately, getting his paws on it was looking very unlikely. This group of Patrols was armed to the teeth. Hector had never seen so many guns and body armor. What in the heck are they so hot to go after? He had to admit the Patrols were pretty much everywhere lately if only in two-man teams and they were jumpy. When he and his now deceased rat mutant comrade took the jeep a couple days ago, the Patrols in it nearly shot him. Luckily he was fast enough to duck out of the way, and when he roared from cover, plus took a few potshots at them with his rifle, they swerved off the road, stalled the vehicle, and left on the run. Now that he thought about it, they were not only jumpy but seemed scared half to death. Typically his roar and a few shots would have just engaged them, but these two wanted none of it. It was almost like they were expecting an attack by something far worse than a couple of mutants. He scratched his chin thoughtfully. So what is it they are suddenly afraid of? It was true he did not know everything which happened on the high desert, but he did keep his ears open. So far he had heard nothing. I guess I’ll just have to grab one of these guys in the gray and black and find out. With a mouthful of yellowed fangs, he smiled and slipped back around the rubble of the building.
RAVEN COULD HEAR HER heart beating in her ears. They are going to give me to the Patrols? she thought. After all I have been through? She swallowed, trying to fight her building panic when the red-headed man jumped to her rescue. “No, she’s done nothing to us. They would kill her if we gave her to them,” he said. Blue shrugged.
“What difference does that make to us, Blaze? Especially if it means safe passage?” Raven was quickly learning to dislike the big man with the port wine stain. From the non-verbal reactions of some of the people around her, she could guess he was not especially popular, however, they were scared. Unfortunately, she could understand why they felt that way. She was a stranger and could bring the worst kind of trouble with her.
“I will leave,” Raven said, standing up from where she still crouched near Kit. “I never intended for anyone to be at risk. I’m sorry.” She turned to the taller woman with the scar on her face. “Please give me back my rifle and a little water to carry and I will be on my way.” The other woman looked at her thoughtfully for a moment and then gave a single nod.
“Agreed,” she said and looked at Blue. “Blaze is right. We are not the kind of people who turn over others to the killers from the Great Cave. Twig, fetch her things.” The boy left and Raven watched as the man they called Blue squinted his eyes at Willow. His look was full of menace.
“You’re a fool, Willow,” he said and spat on the worn and faded tile of the warehouse floor. Without another word, he strode out of the room. Raven was happy to see him go and let out the breath she did not realize she was holding. After a moment, Willow clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention. “Enough of this. We have a lot to do. I want us all packed and ready to go by midday. The trip south will be long and we will have to move quietly, so only take what you absolutely must.” There were groans of displeasure from the group and Raven felt sorry for them. This is a horrible existence, she thought and then shook her head. Who am I to judge? There are families here and the child they call Mouse. I must remember I am a stranger who knows nothing.
“Thank you,” Raven said to Willow and then she turned to look at the others of the clan. “Thank all of you.” A couple people nodded, but most averted their eyes. They just want me gone. It make sense, Raven thought, but it did not help erase the disappointment she felt. It had taken so long to find them and now she was leaving already. Willow said nothing to acknowledge Raven’s offer of thanks as she made her way to the hearth where a woman was grilling food. With a smile, the woman handed Willow a skewer.
“Everyone. Eat your fill. We have busy times ahead,” Willow said. People moved forward and took up plates of food. Kit brought a skewer to Raven and then squatted down beside her to eat her own. Raven smiled and sank down to sit on the floor.
“Thank you,” she said, but the girl did not reply. Raven expected as much as the girl was always silent. Pulling a cube of meat from the wooden skewer, Raven popped it in her mouth, closed her eyes, and sighed as the hot juices ran over her tongue. She did not know if she would ever be full again and the meat tasted fantastic. Suddenly there was a shout of alarm and Raven opened her eyes to see Willow struggling. She was grasping at her throat and trying to speak, but no words were coming out. Raven watched as Blaze ran to Willow’s side and shook her, but it was not working. She’s choking, Raven thought. On a piece of the meat. Raven started to get up, knowing time was critical. Kit sprang up beside her, pulling a knife from under her cloak, and pointed it at Raven. Oh no, Raven thought. She thinks I had something to do with this.
“Let me pass, Kit,” she said softly. “I can help her.” By now others in the room were up and had surrounded Willow who was now on her knees.
“It’s poison,” a man yelled. He turned and pointed at Raven. Others turned to look at her, hatred in their eyes. “You brought this!” Raven shook her head.
“No, she’s choking. On the meat. Please let me through,” Raven begged. “If you don’t listen, your leader will die.” She looked to Blaze. She saw the panic on his young face. “Trust me,” she said to him. Blaze returned her stare for only a second before he pushed people aside.
“Kit! Let her through. Everyone move,” he commanded. Raven did not hesitate and raced to the woman’s side. Willow’s face was growing blue and Raven saw stark terror in her eyes while she continued to clutch her throat.
“Stand he
r up,” Raven said as she moved behind the woman. Blaze and Stump grabbed Willow by the arms and lifted her. Raven reached her arms around the woman and clasped her hands together just above her waist. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Kit and knew if this failed, she would be killed within seconds. With all her strength, Raven jerked up and inward on Willow’s diaphragm. The piece of meat shot out of the woman’s mouth and onto the floor. Willow gasped in a deep breath and Raven let her slip to the ground. Willow retched, but she was breathing.
MATTHEW WAS CONFLICTED as he stood in the ranks of men dressed in the black and gray uniforms of the Patrols. The squad leader had just explained to them the plan. They were going to drive back to the crossroads, string out in a line with about thirty yards between each man, and start walking forward. Anything they found in their path or flushed out along the way was to be captured or killed. This included animals as well as humans. The idea was simple. If they destroyed the food sources for the Waste People, then the heathens would starve. “I know it will not be as satisfying as exterminating them in person,” the squad leader said. “But with a little luck, there will be action enough for everyone today.” The men in formation cheered. All except for Matthew. The words made him sick to his stomach.
“But as you know,” the squad leader continued. “The ultimate prize is to find the witch. We don’t know what she looks like exactly or if she can change her appearance with her black magic, so be careful with every female you encounter. We want them all, but her most especially. Am I clear?” Matthew could sense a thread of unease run through the platoon at the reference to Raven, but after a moment they sounded off.
“Clear!” they yelled in unison.
“Perfect,” the squad leader said. “And one more thing. The Creator has promised a special reward to the man who finds the witch. Your courage and cunning will be greatly appreciated.” The platoon was no longer fidgeting and instead the men were now laser focused. A reward from The Creator was not something to be taken lightly. It would change a brother’s rank in the colony significantly. A cheer started and then turned into a roar. Matthew closed his eyes. This is not good, he thought. Extremely not good.