Dweller

We had been walking all day trying to keep a steady pace. However the weather hasn’t been so kind to us. It rained for two days in a row. Leaving us to seek shelter under the canopy of leaves. Occasionally getting wet whenever the leaves could no longer hold the weight of the downpour.

We had even started sleeping less, waking before the sun even rises and still walking when the sun sets. We did this for a couple of days trying to make up for the lost progress. Scared that we wouldn't make it in time and miss the meeting.

Throughout the day the kids still had energy so they started carrying our bags while working on their own skills. I don’t know how they had so much energy, me and Sam were sleep deprived. We would periodically stop for water, having brought enough food we luckily didn’t need to go hunt, which would have used up more time.

We were now settling down when the moon had risen in the sky a few hours ago. Not even worth creating a fire, the children huddled together for warmth and slept under the moon. The air was still thick with the smell of rain.

Me and Sam both had a silent conversation with our eyes knowing that we would probably not make it in time for the meeting with the constant downpour that still doesn't seem to want to let up any time soon. However we have to continue moving. If it were to rain like the weather suggested we might have to walk through it.

Me and Sam were both really tired. Sam took first watch while I slept off the day's agony and stress. Every three hours we switched watches, giving each other time to sleep and rest. The night was long and painful. Everytime Sam woke me up it was painful and my body was hesitant to move.

Eventually the dreaded morning came, every other living creature welcomed the morning sun however I dreaded it. We slowly started waking up, like every morning to start our walk. A positive I was really happy about was today would be our last day with having our backs turned from the city. We will reach the other abandoned city tonight. Hopefully just in time for the secret meeting.

I was so excited that throughout the night I had everything ready incase something went wrong. That somehow I would get the chance to fight one of those hideous creatures. Even if it was against Smorgins wishes.

Today we spent most of our time traveling through another open field. The grass was a lot shorter than others we had passed through. The grass and other vegetation ranching somewhere far below the knees. Making the walk a lot easier and less energy taxing.

Through this trip it was nice to relish in old memories of my previous travels. I had a lot of fun especially with the kids and Sam. It was a lot of fun even with our heavy exhaustion. They continuously made us laugh and tell light hearted stories of the past. We learned a lot about each other and how Sam ended up in Wohlstand. As well as how everyone got left on the street. Despite it sounding sad we would always comfort each other. They had quickly sneaked past the hard exterior I had put up to protect myself from others.

The sun had begun to set as we traveled over steep and hilly plains. In the distance as we climbed up the last one we could see the outline of what looked like houses. However they were too far away and some of them looked like they had completely been destroyed. I guess she wasn't joking when they said it was abandoned.

I stopped as we reached the base of the hill. I was now getting serious, it was about to get dangerous fast and I wasn’t going to mess this mission up.

“Secle, Maddy Blar, Jason and Sam. Listen to me now, and very clearly. You WILL listen to me this whole time until we are out of danger. No matter what I say you WILL do as you are told. Do you all understand?” I sternly say, putting emphasis on whenever I said will.

I hear a chorus of different responses behind, saying that they understand and will do as they are told.

Before we move again, “Sam, you are to protect these kids. No matter what. If you think the order I gave will put their lives at harm and you have a better idea go for it. And one more time if at any time I say run. You run. Now be careful and quiet.” I speak abressing Sam and then everyone else.

Before I hear any voices of concern or any other response we are on the move again crouching down as we travel in a straight line towards the crumbling houses.

The houses are all gray and made of stone. Pieces of wood are scattered around what looks to be some sort of roof structure lying on the ground. Walls are missing out of houses and plants have taken over everything. Making this place seem long forgotten and lost in time. The paths are hard to make out as grass sprouts out of the once gravel and cobble paths and roads.

We jump behind structure to structure trying to keep hidden as we are unaware of where this secret meeting is being held. Through the darkness I can see a silhouette of darkness with the moon hidden in the sky. The world is completely dark with no source of light.

I watch as the silhouette moves along the once lively house. Confirming it is supernatural because of its little to no fear of being spotted. I look back to the group and place a finger over my lips and tilt my head in the direction I saw the figure. Conforming with everyone else that I have spotted something.

I continue to follow this mysterious lurking figure from behind, everyone else follows my lead as we quietly and cautiously follow. The supernatural leads us to the only remaining house that we can see and enters into the house. A few moments later we see a light pop up in the once deserted building.

The light illuminats throughout the house, brightening up the one room house and leaking out to the outside by the window. I can’t see what is happening so we slowly get closer but never getting in view of the window.

I put up my hand behind me signiling for them to stay put as I slowly approach the only window on the house. As I approach I notice that the house is completely gutted out not a single piece of furniture can be spotted. The inside of the house is filled with rubble. Looking as if a new roof was plopped on the house without anyone actual cleaning up on the inside.

My eyes continue to room the house before they snap up to the once mysterious figure. I go still. Panic and horror run through my vains. My body is covered in goosebumps. As I peer into the house to see who the figure is. Adrenaline kicks in. However I’m stuck in place. My suspicions are proven correctly when they turn their head making their fully face clear.