Recluse Island

Prologue

May 2014

Warren didn't recognize the boy.

It was true he didn't often venture past the Salamander Line, but he knew enough to determine whoever he was he hadn't come from Stormy Shore, which meant as unlikely as it seemed, and it was extremely unlikely, he must have escaped from the Clinkirk Compound.

The underground metropolis called the Clinkirk Compound, the place where Warren himself had been raised, had been in existence for nearly two hundred years. In that time, there had only been one documented escape. It wasn't something Warren often got to talk about it, but he was quite proud of the fact he was the one that was finally able to outwit the formidable Rafanoli's.

What he couldn't figure out was how this boy, who couldn't be more than twelve or thirteen, had managed what had taken him years to accomplish. A quick scan of the area proved he was alone. Clearly this was a feat he had achieved on his own. But how?

Warren cautiously approached, careful not to make any sudden movements. He didn't want to awaken the sleeping boy. The boy had taken refuge among a dense area of foliage, but he stuck out like a sore thumb to Warren when he had entered the enclosure off on one of his daily scavenger missions. Living as a hermit, wild man, whatever name you choose to call him meant he only had himself to depend on. Simply put, if he wanted to eat, he had to do something about it. The boy wasn't very far from Warren's treehouse. But his location was peculiar. Where exactly had he exited the compound?

Warren knew disturbing him probably wasn't very wise but his need for answers was overwhelming. Never had he had the opportunity to discuss with another what had always been said was impossible. He also had to be sure this wasn't some sort of trap. Though it had been nearly twenty-five years since his escape he knew he was still sought after for recapture.

Picking up a stick nearby, Warren gently prodded the boy.

Immediately his eyes popped open. It took a moment for him to adjust to the sunlight despite the protective goggles he was wearing. He stared quite intently at Warren after that, but Warren knew exactly when he recognized who he was. After all, he was infamous in the Clinkirk Compound. In all honesty he was probably considered more of a myth than anything else at this point but at least he hadn't been forgotten.

Warren didn't care what was thought or said about him. As long as what he had achieved was remembered. After all he was free, and those people underground were still trapped. Well minus one person it would seem. Now he had to figure out what this boy's presence meant for his future.

And if maybe...just maybe life on Pigscula Keys could be about to change.