The Raging Storm

Chapter Seven: The Harvest

Ansel awoke to horns blaring all around the camp. He sat up and looked at Zeer, who was already standing.

"Today's the Harvest. Prepare yourself for a long day, kid." The other men in Building 49 exchanged worried glances.

"Time to move men. Stick to the plan," Zeer said to everyone, just loud enough to be heard over the horns.

Before anyone could exit the building, three Crimson Guards strode into the room. One shouted at all of them, "Get against the walls!"

Ansel glanced at Zeer. So did the other prisoners. Zeer slightly nodded his head then turned to stand against the wall. Ansel followed, standing next to him. The guards threw the men's bedding around, searching for something.

His mouth went dry. They're looking for the key. They must've already discovered it's missing.

A guard walked over to Zeer's bed. Ansel felt everyone in the room collectively hold their breath. The guard tossed the bedding aside and ran his hands over the wooden planks. They didn't move. Thank the Divines.

The guard stood and locked eyes with Ansel. He held the man's gaze. The guard turned and searched his bedding. Frustration coated the man's face after he was done. Ansel held himself back from smiling. The guard stalked off and conversed with the others in low tones.

"What's the meaning of this?" asked a prisoner four men down from Ansel.

The guards ignored the man's question and strode out of the room. One of them stopped and turned. "Follow us out here. Time to Harvest." He turned and left.

The room was in total disarray. Bedding and blankets sprawled all over the floor. Zeer looked around the room at Ansel and the other men, grinned, and gestured to follow the guards. He followed Zeer with the other prisoners. Bodies all crowded together while they shuffled out of the building. The vile smell from the group of dirty men almost made him gag but he held the bile down.

They walked out of Building 49 onto the muddy road where the guards had gone. They lined up in a giant rectangle formation outside Building 49 and walked through the sprawling camp. Crimson Guards were everywhere. They whipped other prisoners or rode along, directing the men where to go. A soft breeze passed over the back of his neck, sending a chill down his spine. The guards were herding them to another part of the camp. He scanned around, memorizing the layout while they were led along.

They were funneled to a giant wide open area - still within the walls - meant for gathering. The captain from earlier sat on his horse, waiting for all the prisoners to gather and quiet down. His crimson armor shone in the sunlight and his dark brown hair ruffled from the breeze. Three Crimson Guards with whips were standing around him at the ready. They stood on a dark wooden platform. Ansel strained his neck looking upwards to see them.

He scanned around, getting his bearings. He was near the front of the prisoners from Building 49, trying his best to stay near Zeer. Reed was only a few men away but wasn't looking in his direction. Reed acted as if he didn't exist anymore, which was fine by him. While the men from the other Buildings lined up, the prisoners noticed Ansel. Most made threatening gestures toward him. He was tired of being treated this way; he met each of their eyes to let them know he wasn't scared. His eyes landed on Sven and his scarred companion. They stared at him from a dozen paces away, whispering and pointing toward him.

Soon each group lined up as ordered. The rectangular formations of prisoners went on as far as he could see in both directions.

The captain spread out his arms for dramatic flair. "Welcome to the rest of your lives."