Promises of Gold

13. Pied Piper

Cordelia, Thomas and Peter rushed through the island to get James. Peter led them, continiously reminding them to follow his lead and be alert. Thomas sighed as Peter repeated the instruction for the tenth time. Cordelia shook her head. 

"We understood. How far are we?" Thomas groaned. 

"Almost there. In a minute we'll reach the boundary. You both have to understand, this is extremely dangerous. Be quiet and let me lead, I know my way around. No one can see us. If they do, well let's say that it won't be good". Peter replied allowing them to stop for a moment. Cordelia nodded and Thomas just panted something as he tried to regain his breath, that sounded like he understood. 

Peter examined them both once more to make sure they were ready, before they began to slowly walk to the boundary. Cordelia took slow deep breaths and tried to step as quietly as possible. They passed through branches and fallen trees until she could clearly spot what she knew was the East. Cordelia almost gasped as they crossed and she saw dead trees and withered branches. It looked completely different. It was eerie. Thomas looked as disturbed as she was. She wondered if he had ever been here. Peter continued to lead them through the dead and bare lands, avoiding stepping on anything. 

Cordelia and Thomas followed behind him, stepping in the exact places as one another. Cordelia could feel her heart beat out of her chest. Thomas looked at her reassuringly. She felt that he believed in her. It didn't help as much as she wanted, but it offered more confidence. Suddenly they heard a cheer from upwards. Cordelia looked up and saw what seemed like a small cliff. If she squinted she could see people conversing with one another. Her heart dropped as she looked closer and saw a wooden cage.  Peter quickly turned around at them and pressed a finger to his lips, signaling them to be quiet. They both nodded and continued to follow him. Cordelia closed her eyes for a moment to control her fear. 

"Well, well. What do we have here?" a eerie voice asked from behind them. 

***

Lola played with young Sally in the grass, distracting herself from worrying about her former friend and her other mates. She kept looking towards the nearby woods in hope that she would see them return. Sadly, everytime she looked they were not there. She felt herself go crazy with worry. They had never been without James or William for so long. She hoped William was alright. What if he had gotten hurt? She looked around at everyone else conversing and playing around. She suddenly noticed that she had not spotted Oliver in some time. Lola's heart dropped. If he had gone after them...

"Hello, Lola." 

Lola turned her head around to see Max standing there casually, as if there was no issue with him being there. Lola stood up quickly and whispered urgently for Sally to run off.  She backed away from Max and raised a brow as if to question what he wanted from her. Max smirked, noticing her fear.

"Where is she?" he asked sounding bored.

"Who?" 

"Don't act dumb. Cordelia. Where is she?" Max demanded, suddenly getting frustrated.

"I don't know. I have not seen her all day. Her and Thomas went off for a day trip and she has not yet returned. I assumed you captured her." Lola lied, attempting to look unbothered.

"A day trip? Where?" 

"I'm not sure. Somewhere on the west side. Near the open sea where it is safe to swim." she continued to lie. 

"If you are lying, so help me.." 

"I am not. If she is not there she lied to me. Now leave." Lola interrupted, becoming more angry by the second. The others began to watch them converse worriedly. Lola noticed Taylor grab some of the children and order them back to their tents. 

"I'll leave now. But be sure you'll see me again soon." 

***

"Stay away from us." Peter ordered the eerie boy. He looked so familiar to Cordelia. She couldn't shake off the thought that she had seen him before. 

"Cordelia come here." the boy snapped, ignoring Peter. 

Cordelia stood behind James and shook her head. She would not give in. Not while James was captured and he needed her. Peter gripped her arm to keep her close, while Thomas drew out his sword. She watched as the boys stared at eachother with detest and challenge in their eyes. The boy suddenly began to smile, as if he knew something they didn't. Cordelia's heart began to thump and she forced herself to breath calmly.

"Cordelia. Come with me. Someone important wants to see you."

"Don't listen to him. He's a master at manipulation. John, stay away." Peter demanded.

Cordelia was at lost for words. Some of the people she had noticed on the cliff had stopped talking and walked closer to the edge to watch. She looked up at them and noticed they were all around her age. There were so many. They all wore smirks as they watched the scene before them. Cordelia felt herself hate them all already.  John shrugged and pulled out something that looked like a wooden flute. After a moment Cordelia realized it was a pipe. Peter's face dropped in horror. He held Cordelia tighter and Thomas seemed to just turn pale. As if he had seen a ghost, he backed away. John began to blow into it and play a most beautiful song. Cordelia realized it had been her favourite lullaby once upon a time. She was suddenly only focused on the song and boy that played the pipe before her. She heard Peter faintly warn her to run and not listen. Cordelia barely heard or acknowledged his words. 

"Don't fall for it Cordelia. Don't follow the pied piper!" Peter cried, as John began to walk away slowly.

Cordelia let go and followed the pipe.