Talen

“We need to keep moving, Sam.” Will narrows his eyes at Samuel and then looks at me with suspicion.

“It’s dark,” I say to the young man. “I realize you don’t know me, but Sam does. It’s better for you both to rest for the night and start again in the morning. Besides, we have food and water to share, and it’s safer to travel together.”

Samuel agrees and pulls Will close to grumble into his ear. Reluctantly, Will nods, still glaring at me, and the two men join us at our campsite.

“Sam, are there any other survivors?”

“From what I’ve heard, yes, but just a few.”

“Heard? Heard from who?”

“Keller.” Samuel rolls his eyes. “With all the shit that comes out of his mouth—begging your pardon for the language—I don’t know if I can trust what he says, but we’re headed to the place he said survivors are gathering.”

“What place?”

“Up north, where the river snakes closest to the mountainside. It’s a bit of a jaunt, but that’s where people are going.”

“Why so far?”

“The Thaves are burning all the villages in the valley,” Samuel says. “Everywhere from Roundbottom to here, and they’re not going to stop. If Keller is to be believed, the group at the river is planning to head out west. Maybe if we go far enough, they’ll finally let us live in peace.”

“West?”

“Over the mountain to whatever is beyond.”

“Talen.” Aerin grabs my hand and stares at me meaningfully.

“I know.” I press my lips together and then look back to Samuel. “We need to meet up with them. West isn’t the answer.”

“Well, he said there is a tribe of Naughts whose homes have burned. They’re gathering what they can and moving far enough away from the Thaves that they won’t bother with us anymore.”

“How many are there?” I ask. “How many from Plastictown?”

“I don’t know. Keller is the only one I saw, and he told me there were others but didn’t mention names. Not many, I gather. Keller said they were heading to meet up with others. I told him not to wait for me. I’d just slow him down. Told Will to go with him, but he wouldn’t listen.”

“I’m not about to leave you on your own,” Will says. “You’d never make it.”

“Humph!” Samuel’s eyes crinkle at the edges as he frowns and leans back against the ground, trying to get comfortable. “I’ve been around a long time without your help, boy.”

Samuel is obviously exhausted and closes his eyes as soon as he lies back on the ground. Will sits and glowers at me for a few minutes before doing the same.

When they have settled down, I lie down with Aerin in my arms, grateful for her warmth.

“Are we going with them?” Aerin asks.

“Of course we are.” I turn my head to hers and kiss her temple. “Samuel is hurt. I can’t let him make that trek alone.”

“He’s not alone,” Aerin says quietly. “Will is with him, and Will clearly doesn’t want us around.”

“He’s just being cautious. I would be, too, if I were in his position.”

“Maybe we should be cautious, too,” she whispers in my ear.

“Always.” I place my ear right up against hers and speak as quietly as I can. “I don’t know Will, so I don’t trust him, but I’m going to make sure Samuel gets to safety.”

Aerin nods. I relax against her, silently grateful to have a clear, attainable purpose. Helping Samuel lifts my burden, and I close my eyes with a long sigh.

Tomorrow, I hope to find answers.