My Say

10

Winter continued and our blessed life rolled on. For the most part we didn't think about what was beyond our oasis. But life has a way of reminding us that reality is not only a rose bloom but also thorns.

It began with D rushing up the stairs, "There are people out there."

"What people? Where?" Nan asked as Nell headed out to get Craig and Mark.

"Men, women, and I think a few kids." He rushed back down the stairs to gather more information.

"Rom, I need to know if any are injured." Monica was getting me a bag together.

"Give me a couple of scent neutralizers. If they check out, the shed will be full." We'd agreed to bring any foundlings to the kwanzaa on the far side of the yard. Until they were checked out, they wouldn't enter the cabin.

Craig came in as I headed out, "Where are you going"?

Mark was behind him looking for Monica. When was that boy going to make her his?

"D identified a group on the mountain, I'm going out to see if they can be invited home." Craig walked me to the door. "Are you prepared for a mixed group?" If I brought home someone who wasn't a friend then Craig would be the executioner.

"Just don't bring a non friend home." He tells me, pushing me out the door. He hated that it was a girl going but I was the one with the outdoor and tracking experience.

They were closer than I liked, we needed a way to alert us sooner. D and Nick had been kept abreast of my position and my observations. The group was bedraggled and tattered. They were ill prepared for winter, much less winter on a snowy mountain.

"We have to find shelter, these children can't go much longer." A frail looking young woman told the group.

"Cole had a cabin up here. It's our only hope, but I'm not going back. I'd rather die than live under their thumb," a man says. The young woman began to cry as the 4 children moved to hold her hands, attempting to comfort her. The older people ignored her, strange.

Letting my voice drift out and around the group, I moved to spray the scent blocker all around the group. "You're trespassing."

The group froze frantically looking around, "We are seeking sanctuary. We became lost in the storm." The largest man spoke for the group. After not receiving a response, a woman spoke up "We need to get out of this weather or we'll die."

"Where are you from?"

"Blue Lake Territory, Alpha Ridge Stone, Beta Red Stone." The large man replied.

D had informed us of the change in designations. No longer were there states or counties it was all broken up into territories or boundary lands. Blue Lake was the territory we were in, so they were locals. But who were they?

"Names and rank?" Nick tells me to ask so I did.

"You first", the younger male yells out. The others shush him. Craig is not happy with the attitudes they display.

"Forgive the boy, he has forgotten his manners. I'm..." Monica is scared for the children and the young woman the children seem to be protecting.

I step out in front of them, "This way". The questions fly but ignored as we head up the mountain. The young male spins me around, as we approach the shed.

"What are you?" He demands, the older woman tries to grab him back, the men just watch not aiding her or me. Just letting what will happen, happen.