Deprived

Chapter 24

Maize heard metal slithering through flesh with quick precision, and one by one, the agents hit the ground like sacks of sand. She knew when Humpty Dumpty was down, he hit the floor the loudest.

She rushed to her father's side, grabbed an agent's lightstick off the floor, and held it over his face. His eyes stared back at her, lifeless. He was gone.

Maize closed her eyes, tears streaming down her face.

"He lived for his family. He was a great guy. I'm Stan, glad to make your acquaintance." Stan said, stooping beside her.

"The guide?"

"Yes, I came to take you guys back to the West."

"He was waiting on you." Maize said. She put her father's head on her lap and rocked back and forth. "Did you already remove my family from the village?"

"That was Henry and your father's assignment, not mine."

"You won't be going to get them?"

"I'm afraid not. Your family isn't the only family in need. There are other villages where people are in need of my help. Coming here has already set me back a few days."

He stood up. "We need to leave now. If they don't hear back from these losers, they'll come looking."

"I have to get my family first." Maize said, looking down at her father.

"You go into that village, and you won't come out alive. Sources have told me the guards are already at your house, thinking you might show up. We must leave now."

"I'm not leaving with you. I have to find another AllPill."

Stan cussed.

"You lost it! I thought I would be taking that back with me. Ahh, better luck next time."

"Stay, and help me get another pill." Maize said, looking up at him

"You're crazy."

"I've been told."

"Look, I understand your pain, and I'm sorry for your loss. I fought alongside your father. I am positive he wouldn't want you heading back out there to find another AllPill. That's not only a crazy plan. It's a stupid plan."

"What would be stupid is being so close and giving up."

"Look, you're not thinking straight. If we don't leave right this moment, we won't get another chance."

"Sir, then leave. I'm staying."

Stan raised his arms in surrender. "Have it your way, then." He disappeared down the dark tunnel.

Maize kissed her father's forehead and whispered.

"Go on to Creet. Tell Nana, 'HI,' for me. I'll always be your warrior princess."

She grabbed her father's bag, held the light stick over it, and searched inside. She pulled out two sticks of char, an empty water bottle, the map of the tunnels, and a knife. Ah, good. A knife No longer would she feel naked walking amongst her enemies. She returned the char sticks and water bottle, but shoved the knife deep into her pants pocket. Then she stood up and strapped the bag onto her back.

In her hand, she held the map—good thing because her head was too muddled to memorize the maze. Finding the tunnel that ran closest to her home in the village, she determined she would make it in under an hour.

Stan was right about one thing, going back out there and trying to steal another AllPill was a stupid idea, but going back to get her family, wasn't. At least she had to try.