A Fate Worse Than Death

Chapter Seven

     "You okay, buddy?" Jordyn noticed Rune fidgeting instead of trying to sleep.  "Nervous?"  
     "Not tired," Rune squeezed his frog toy as Autumn snoozed at the foot of his bunk. 
     "Then why'd you come up?"  Jordyn asked. 
     "I don't need as much sleep as you do," Rune answered.  "But I didn't wanna be on the couch by myself all night.  And I like this bed."  Jordyn smiled understandingly. 
     "You just don't want do feel alone, do you?"  He crouched in front of Rune's bunk, and the younger boy leaned forward to put his head against Jordyn's shoulder.   
     "I keep thinking that adult will come looking for me," he said as Jordyn put a hand on his back.  "I keep worrying he'll find me." 
     "You're fine, Rune," Jordyn told him gently.  "He let me take you pretty easily, and the matriarch indicated she'd give him a talking to.   I don't think he's leaving the corn maze.  And I'm here.  I'll protect you."  Rune let out a breath and leaned against Jordyn. 
     "I trust you," he said.  "Thank you."  Jordyn fully hugged him. 
     "I'll keep you safe," he told the boy.  "I'll get us both out of here.  We'll be okay."  He rubbed Rune's back for several minutes and stepped back. 
     "Good now?"  He asked. 
     "Better," Rune still fidgeted with his frog. 
     "Do you want me to read to you until you feel calmer?"  Jordyn held up the book he'd picked so Rune could see.  It was one from a children's horror series, but he wanted to offer anyway. 
     "I've never been read to before," he said.  "But I'll try it."  Jordyn smiled and pulled his pillow down from his top bunk to lean against the bottom bunk.  For two hours, he read to Rune, until the younger boy lay down in his bed, breathing slowly and calmly. 
     "Rest well, buddy," Jordyn ruffled his shaggy hair affectionately.  "We'll both need it."

     Jordyn's bracelet woke him a little after six, the guard actually sending a morning greeting this time.  He checked on Rune, who turned his head to smile at the older boy. 
     "'Morning," Jordyn greeted as he walked to the bathroom. 
     "Hi," Rune gently placed Autumn on the floor and stood.  He followed Jordyn into the bathroom and began brushing his sharp little teeth.  Once both boys were finished, they headed downstairs. Preston was up and offered omelets for breakfast after greeting the boys. After the pet bowls were filled, he started on breakfast. Gizmo wandered down the hall to the door of the second bedroom, making little noises.
"Come here, little guy," Jordyn picked him up and held him. "We need to eat so we can be strong for the next attraction."
"He wants to play with Manny again," Preston said as the first omelet finished cooking. He slid the sausage and cheese omelet onto a plate and handed it to Rune.
"Comealong gourds like him attach easily to those they like," he continued as he started the next omelet. "Many plant lovers get them as companions and helpers for that reason. Their bioluminescence also comes in handy for darker areas when needed."
"He's been very helpful so far," Jordyn patted the gourd on his stem as the little guy made happy noises. "Do you want him to stay here so Manny can have a playmate?"
"Manny plays just fine with me," Preston finished the second omelet and handed it to Jordyn. "You keep him with you." Jordyn almost thought he sensed some type of longing in the breath Preston let out, but he ate quietly and didn't ask. After everyone finished, Preston took Jordyn to feed Luna and Trouble.
"They'll go to the farm attraction after you leave for the carnival," Preston told him on the way back. "I want to be able to see you off." Jordyn finished the puzzle with Rune before picking up another book. Rune climbed on the couch next to him.
"You want me to read to you again?" Jordyn asked him. "Did it help that much last night?"
"I like hearing you read," Rune answered. "And I liked the last book."
"Did you not get taught how to read?" Preston asked. "Is that why you're asking him to read to you?"
"I had basic schooling," Rune leaned against Jordyn. "The matriarch required it. But my adult never read to me when I was younger. Jordyn is a good narrator." Jordyn smiled and began reading. A few hours later, the guard arrived to bring the boys to their next attraction.
"Here, young one," she handed Rune a blue backpack the same size as Jordyn's. "Yours has a full med kit added since Jordyn has extra supplies. Just don't tell my higher ups I snuck it in."
"Thank you," Rune took the pack and put it on his back as Jordyn carried his. Bunnenstine and Gizmo stood by him until the boys said goodbye to Preston. Rune told the cat to stay in the unit so she could stay safe.
"Follow me," the guard led them down a long hallway to an elevator. Rune held onto Jordyn as they rode it up. They were led down another hallway to a big garage style door. It was opened and the guard ushered them in.
"Remember that item you got from the spider's den," she told Jordyn. "It will come in handy." Rune looked at him as the door was closed behind them.
"She means the compass," Jordyn told him. "Not you. Let's get a little further in before we start checking it."  He began walking and Rune and Bunnenstine followed.  Gizmo scuttled ahead, his glow lighting up the path.  A ticket booth came into view a minute later, but Jordyn couldn't tell if anyone was manning it.  As the group approached, Gizmo and Bunnenstine wandered past the booth easily, but the boys were stopped by smokey, black tendrils. 
     "Pets get in free," a scratchy voice told them as the tendrils began lifting the boys up.  "Prisoners have to pay." 
     "I'll pay for both of us," Jordyn said quickly as he felt more tendrils going inside his pant legs.  "Just let my friend in, he's been through enough already." 
     "Brave boy," Jordyn felt several thin tendrils start to touch and feel him, and a slightly thicker one found its way inside.  The entity did set Rune down inside the carnival untouched, though, which was what Jordyn wanted.  "Ten minutes for you, then."  Jordyn saw an opportunity.  He didn't want to be violated, but if he could bargain a little, he might get some useful information. 
     "I'll let you have fifteen if you give me some information," Jordyn twitched as he felt the tendril inside him begin to twist and move back and forth, but he resisted kicking.  He wanted his answers. 
     "What information are you looking for?"  The entity asked, not responding to the offer of extra time. 
     "I want to know how many other entities there are here," Jordyn began, gritting his teeth as the cold tendrils continued to move.  "And how many resident prisoners.  And I want to know where they're located." 
     "Trying to be more prepared, are we?"  The entity seemed interested.  "I don't know an exact number for either, but the entities run a lot of the rides and games here.  The resident prisoners mostly wander around looking for fights, sometimes they're alone, sometimes they're in pairs or small groups.  If you have weapons, you'll want them close by at all times." 
     "Oh, I have weapons," Jordyn said through his teeth.  "From the last attraction." 
     "You're intriguing," the entity rasped.  "I'll tell you what, the information is free.  Once the ten minutes is up, you get in." 
     "Thank you," Jordyn said through his teeth, breathing deeply and steadily.  Rune stared at him worriedly, and once Jordyn was set down, the spider child ran up and hugged him. 
     "I'm okay, buddy," Jordyn hugged him back.   "It wasn't as bad as what happened to me in the corn maze." 
     "Thank you for paying for me," Rune continued to hug him, and Jordyn rubbed his back. 
     "No problem," Jordyn ruffled his hair affectionately, but let the younger boy continue to hold onto him. 
     "I don't know how you got him out of his attraction," the entity said as it watched them.  "But he's clearly fond of you.  Keep him close, he may just save your life, prisoner."  Jordyn nodded. 
     "I rescued him from an abusive adult," he told the entity.  "So of course he's fond of me." 
     "Good luck, prisoner and friend," the entity said.  "Keep your eyes open and you may just make it out."  Jordyn walked Rune away from the booth, the younger boy still holding onto him.  A moment later, Rune perked up.  A game booth was close by, and it looked like it had some good prizes.  Jordyn froze, though, when he saw the clown running it. 
     "I know how the clowns in the corn maze are," the carnie said knowingly.  "I won't hurt you like they do.  It's just one token each if you want to play."  Jordyn cautiously walked up as Rune excitedly looked in his backpack for tokens.  He found one and handed it to the clown. 
     "Okay, buddy," the clown told him as tentacles began squirming behind him.  "See the tentacles?  All you have to do is get at least one ring over them to get a prize.  You have as many turns as you need."  Jordyn eyed the tentacles as Rune picked up a blue ring and tossed it.  It went onto a curled tentacle, but began to slide off as it was arched downward.  The tentacle hooked up at the tip last minute and the ring swung but stayed on. 
     "We'll give it to ya," the clown said.  "Can you get another one?"  Rune tossed a yellow ring and it went over a tentacle that stood straight up and wiggled at the end. 
     "Nice throw!" The clown exclaimed.  "Still got four more rings, can you get all of them?"  Jordyn noticed the tentacles with rings had stopped moving, and Rune picked up on it too.  He managed to get a red and a purple ring onto the second tentacle, and a black one onto the first.  The green one he threw almost missed, but a third tentacle came up and caught it. 
     "Oswald wants you to win," the clown smiled a genuine smile.  He patted something hidden behind the counter.  "Come say hi, buddy!"  A happy gurgling noise began as a wrinkly, round head came up and four big, round eyes blinked at the boys as the smashed muzzle tried to smile.  Oswald set the rings back on the counter and patted Rune on the head gently. 
     "Ozzy likes you," the clown told him.  "Go on and pick two prizes, since you got all the rings."  Jordyn relaxed as Rune looked over his choices. 
     "See?" The clown told him.  "Your spider friend isn't the only nice entity here.  Some of us will work without harming you." 
     "I get nervous around clowns in general," Jordyn explained. 
      "We ain't everyone's favorite," the clown admitted.  "But some of us are harmless."  Rune had chosen a small puzzle cube and was picking up a cat plushy similar to Bunnenstine, but a few parts looked plastic instead of fabric. 
     "Be sure to check the zipper on her back," the clown reminded him.  "She's got some extra goodies for you." 
     "Thank you," Rune smiled, genuinely happy. 
     "Not a problem, little one," the clown said.  "The name's Ardin, by the way.  Sorry I didn't introduce myself earlier."  He turned to Jordyn. 
     "How about you, big brother?"  Ardin asked.  "Do you want a try?" 
     "I'm okay, thanks," Jordyn answered.  "I'd like to save my tokens for later." 
     "Understandable," Ardin said.  "In that case, it was nice meeting you.  Be safe, keep an eye out for the resident prisoners."  Both boys nodded and thanked him before walking away. 
     "What are you going to name her?"  Jordyn asked, indicating the cat in Rune's arms. 
     "I don't know yet," Rune answered.  The cat toy purred as the boy carried her.  The boys walked a little further before a ride came into view. 
     "Step right up, boys!"  The new carnie said.  He looked more like a regular person, but Jordyn knew better.  "Only one token each to ride the carousel." 
     "Can we, Jordyn?"  Rune's eyes looked pleading.  Jordyn sighed. 
     "If we're careful," he agreed.  He took out a token and handed it to the carnie.  Rune put down his cat and took out a token himself. 
     "Just leave your bags and your pets there," the carnie said as the boys climbed onto the carousel.  "I won't touch them."  Jordyn looked at all the horses, choosing one that seemed to have a spark in its eye.  Rune wanted to ride the one next to it, so Jordyn helped him up onto the grey before climbing onto his own white one. 
     Music started as the boys held the poles.  Jordyn's horse had a crimson pole with black stripes that had thin gold borders.  Its red mane and tail were carved to look as if they were blowing in a wild wind.  There were ornate red markings on its lower legs near the hooves, on the shoulders and rump, and on the underside where the pole came through.  Its bridle matched its pole, and the red pad on its back had a black border with thin gold stripes running through it. 
     Rune's had blue markings and a blue pole with purple and silver.  Its mane and tail were black.  Like Jordyn's, Rune's horse had a bridle and pad matched its pole.  The horses began moving up and down, and for the first several rotations, all went well.  But Jordyn suddenly felt his horse shudder, and a whinny escaped its mouth.  The pole creaked and broke, and the mare sprang off the carousel, now the size of a real horse. 
     The mare threw her head in the air, and the flaming mane blew wildly.  She galloped full speed and Jordyn held the broken pole in one hand, with the reins in the other. 
     "Watch where you're going," he told the mare calmly.  "You're running straight at a car."  The mare did lower her head, but she also locked onto the rusted clown car and Jordyn knew she'd jump. 
     "Woah," he told her calmly.  The mare listened, sitting back on her hocks and using her back legs to propel her over the obstacle. 
     "Good job," Jordyn settled into his riding mode.  "Thank you for listening."  A scream came from somewhere behind him, and he realized Rune's horse must've come alive as well.  He tried to guide his horse back around, using both the reigns and his legs. 
     "Turn please," he told the mare, and she shook her head but followed his request.  Rune's horse was charging around in random directions, giving small bucks and rears, the boy screaming and holding on for dear life. 
     "I'm coming, Rune!"  Jordyn called.  "Come on, girl!"  He urged the mare towards Rune's horse, jumping an overturned snack stand to cut the other mare off.  Jordyn grabbed the reigns and slowed his own horse to a stop. 
     "Come here, buddy," he gently told Rune.  "Come over with me."  Rune shakily reached over to grab Jordyn's shoulders and slid himself over to the other horse.  Jordyn walked both horses back to the carnie. 
     "Impressive riding, boy," the carnie said as Jordyn handed him the grey mare's reigns. 
     "I've been riding since I was two," Jordyn told him. 
     "I'll tell you what, boy," the carnie said.  "If you can catch the other eleven live horses, you can keep that mare.  I'll refund you your two tokens as well." 
     "Done," Jordyn let Rune slide off before chasing after a bay with green accents. Fifteen minutes later, he returned the last horse, a buckskin with purple accents, and the carnie gave a crooked smile.
"Well done, boy," he sounded genuinely impressed. "She's yours. Here's your tokens back." He handed Jordyn the two coins, and the teen gave one back to Rune.
"Wanna come back up, buddy?" Jordyn offered his hand as the younger boy pulled his backpack back on. He handed Jordyn's pack to him, then reached up to be lifted.
"Here," the carnie picked him up and quickly placed him behind Jordyn before he could squirm. "How'd you get this one to go with you? I thought entities stayed in their attractions."
"I rescued him," Jordyn answered. The carnie seemed honest enough. "He was being abused. I was told he has to come with me when I go through the attractions."
"He seems secure with you," the carnie said. "Here, you'll probably want one of these, your pets can go inside." He offered a brown fabric bag with a strap at the top. Jordyn looped the strap over the broken pole and the two plushies were handed up. Gizmo wanted to sit in front of Jordyn, so he gripped the pole with his vines. 
      "I'm impressed with you, boy," the carnie told him.  "You might just be able to pull off a full attraction sentence.  I wish you luck." 
     "Thank you," Jordyn said.  He nudged the mare into a walk and the group continued on.