Loyalty

Present Day

"Smallfry, you're on ammo duty," bellowed the camp leader.

The other kids suppressed giggles as Sam sighed and strode to the Armory, beginning to store ammo in waist packs for the others. A boy ambled by her and kicked over the box of ammunition, laughing as he did so. Sam clenched her fists and stood up to stare him in the eye.

"You're going to want to apologize for that," she commanded, her gray eyes piercing into his green ones.

"You should learn to respect your superiors," he replied, smirking.

Sam smiled, pleased at his response. Now she could finally introduce this dirtbag's face to her fist. She drew her hand back and threw her fist at his face, pulling back just as he started to block her punch, leaving his side vulnerable. She kicked him in the rib, disorienting him. Just as she was about to land another punch to his face, the camp leader walked into the room.

"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE," she yelled, bursting Sam's eardrums.

"Green eyes over here decided to knock over the box and—"

"I DONT WANT TO HEAR IT," the captain screamed, interrupting Sam. "Get back to packing the ammo, I don't want to hear any more complaining!"

"Yes, ma'am," Sam muttered, glaring at Green Eye Guy.

"Good. Remember that you're only needed here if you can do your job. Disappoint me again, and you'll be sorry."

The camp leader marched out of the room, Green Eye Guy trailing behind her. Sam turned her attention back to the spilled ammo and began picking it up.

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As night fell over the camp, Sam walked over to the old log cabin along the sparkling lake. As she propped open the door with a creak, her gaze fell to the sagging support beams and rotting wood. The stench of 20 sweaty kids and mold attacked her nose, causing her to squeeze her eyes shut. She stepped over the bodies of other children to her secluded spot in the corner, where she could hear the crash of waves against the shore of the lake. She lied down, patting some moss to use as a pillow. She stared up at the sky through a hole in the ceiling, at the stars that shone brightly alongside the full moon. Just as she closed her eyes, she heard an unnatural plop, like a stone dropping in water. Sam jerked her head up, suddenly alert of her surroundings. She stood at her feet and carefully tiptoed over to the door. She gently pushed the door open and stuck her head through the crack. She turned her head both ways and saw nothing, so she opened the door the rest of the way and walked out. Quietly closing the door behind her, she wandered to the lake, searching for the source of the noise. The lake was deserted, however, its still water reflecting the night sky. She dipped her toes in the cool water and took a breath of the fresh air. Suddenly, a gust of wind knocked her over and she stumbled. She got to her knees and looked up to see the Green Eye Guy towering above her. Her eyes widened as she jumped to her feet and took up a fighting stance.

"Relax. I just want to talk," he said.

"I should have just cut off your tongue earlier to keep you from speaking," Sam retorted.

"Aggressive much? Look, I only have a message from someone, do what you want with it," he said, handing her a sealed envelope.

Sam held out a cautious hand and grabbed the envelope. She stared down at it, the rustic yellow paper and green wax seal entrancing her eyes.

She glanced up to face Green Eye Guy, "What is this?"

"A letter from an organization that wants to take down the camp. They have evidence proving that your mom was killed by the camp leader, and they want your help to take down the camp. I am merely a messenger."