Eliot Strange and the Prince of the Resistance

23) Packed and Ready to Go

It takes me an hour to gather some meager supplies and what few weapons can be spared. I check on Carli, but she is still sleeping, so I go to find Steven. Just like my best friend and side-kick always, he is packed and ready to go.

"Found us a tent in the barn," he shows me. "More like a tarp, but it should do if we have to camp when it's raining. Also, got some flashlights and batteries in case we need to travel at night."

Steven's come so far. I'm proud of him. He went from city slicker to survivalist. When this all started, he was afraid to sleep outdoors. He questioned every chirp and night noise the first nights we spent outside. But Steven learned. He's learned all my dad's rules for survival, and just like him, Steven's made some of his own that he is going over before we leave.

Rule One - help others. "I told Tommy our plan and what to do if we don't return."

"What did you tell him?"

"Well, basically I said I cared about him, and I would be back for him no matter what."

"You care about him?" I ask with just enough tease in my voice.

"Yes," Steven says firmly.

"And?" I ask.

"He is a great kisser."

"Yes, seems like you have mentioned that before. And?"

"I am fond of him."

"Good. You deserve that. You deserve someone."

"Yes, I do," he agrees. "I told him we would be back in a few days. Back to get him and anyone else who wants to go."

"Leave no man behind. Rule two," I say, checking off Steven's list.

"Speaking of rule two, what about Carli and Cindy Lou?" Steven asks.

"Carli was still asleep, and Cindy Lou was toting a baby around on her hip. Besides, Steven, you know they'll slow us down. We won't all fit on the moped Marla is letting us borrow."

Steven looks like he is about to say something else, but instead he says, "You're right. We'll be back shortly. We will."

Is he trying to convince himself? It's funny how caring about someone makes you worried you won't see them again, especially now since this is always a possibility. Caring makes you vulnerable.

"One more thing, before we go?" asks Steven.

"Yeah," I say even though I know what's coming.

"Rule Three?"

Rule three - save the prince. Just hearing it makes me cringe.

"Steven, you know how I feel about Torin, but Jack is here now. He'll have to save the prince. It's his job, and he is the expert. Do you know what I think?"

"It's time to go. Head to the hills. Go find your dad. Desert the cause. Save ourselves."

"Well yes, how did you know what I was going to say?"

"Because you been saying it since this all began, Elie. Until Prince Torin. Once he was here, you changed. You started to believe in helping others, helping him. What has changed?"

"He changed, Steven."

"Right. Well, did you at least tell Torin bye?"

"Yeah," I lie because every time I've seen Torin lately it feels like he is saying good bye to me, or worse, thanking me. It seems like he don't need me at all. Like maybe I was a mistake or maybe I'm a "good friend" and nothing more.

I feel sad now and not nearly so eager to find my parents, but I know I have got to be a good soldier like my dad taught me. Steven's rules will have to wait. Time for dad's rules of survival: trust no one, travel light, carry more than one weapon, and no crying. Absolutely no crying no matter how sad you feel or even if your heart is breaking.

No crying. No crying. No crying.

Damn daddy's rules. I feel like crying.