The Frame I: Betrayal in the Watchtower

The Frame I: Betrayal of the Watch Tower

The buttery light of the early morning sun shone on the congregation of onlookers; a deceptive scene, cheerful despite the events that were to occur. I looked at the black spire in the distance, its dark tip piercing the cool blue sky. A slight breeze drifted into the clearing, slightly lifting my cloak, and ruffling strands of hair on the spectators.

A man in white appeared from behind a building, his boots crunching against the stones and grit of the floor. He forcibly held the arm of a man whose head was covered by a canvas sack. His screams were muffled by the fabric, but they echoed throughout the space. I felt the howls of terror reverberate through my skull, and knew what my dreams would be plagued by tonight. I lowered my head, the rim of my hat covering the expression on my face. Everyone else's face was stoic. Cold. Blank. For if The Keepers detected any trace of agitation or upheaval in the crowd, their heads would be next.

The Keeper dragged the man up the wooden stairs and onto the platform. The screams continued. He fought against the ropes that constrained his wrists, the cords rubbing his skin raw. Drips of crimson dripped down his hands, dripping onto the wooden planks at his feet.

I felt a presence at my side. Her lips brushed my ear as she whispered "Meeting tonight. Same place. It's almost time."

By the time I looked up, she was already gone. I looked up at the gallows, his cries growing more desperate and shrill, as they removed the sack, and looped the rough material around his neck. His pale face twisted with grief, and his eyes morphed, receiving a hard glint as he opened his mouth to utter his last words. "You mess with us, you lose."

The Keeper's white gloved hand rested on the lever, and pulled down in one clean movement. The sound of gasping and choking resonated throughout the region as the stress of his body weight crushed his windpipe. Like a ghost I slowly backed away, disgusted and thirsty for vengeance.

Tonight would be the beginning of the end.

*******

I tried to stay inconspicuous as I made my way to The Watchtower. There was much at stake, and many variables to be considered. I kept my head down and strode with purpose, knowing the others would already be waiting. I climbed up the spiral steps, giddy with anticipation. Months of tactful planning would soon come into play, everyone having a vital part in each step. I arrived at the top, ready to begin the final strategies.

I spotted my love, and quietly went to her side while the meeting commenced, rubbing her back soothingly. She leaned her head into my shoulder, and gave me a worried glance. "I have a bad feeling." She murmured quietly. I glanced up from the discussion, surprised. "You have nothing to worry for, love. We have a man inside the keeper's assembly. This plan has no room for flaw."

Her brow furrowed. "No plan is flawless. The fact that we are working with one of them is what worries me."

I had no response. I knew that we had to tread carefully, but her words buzzed like mad flies in my mind. I looked across the space to the Keeper. He had every reason to hate the Keepers as much as we did, but I understood my loves trepidation. Gazing out at our territory, the homes looked small and breakable from our height in the sky.

The meeting passed quickly after that. After the affirmations of every individual's role, we disbanded, set to begin when dawn arose. I remained behind with a friend, staring out into dark abyss of night.

"Do you think this going to work?" I asked uneasily. "I mean look what occurred today. They discovered one of us and sentenced him to death in front of the entire territory."

He looked down at faraway ground, hesitant. "I don't know what to think. You should never trust a man in white. But what other choice do we have?"

At that moment the light thump of booted steps sounded on the stairs to reveal our inside man, our keeper. We both looked at him in confusion, and came to a simultaneous realization as he lifted his arm, black metal shining in the moonlight.

Inside that Watchtower we stood, defenseless. We didn't even have time to form a coherent thought as he pulled the trigger, the explosion of the bullet soaring from the gun and plunging into my confidant's chest. Blood blossomed on his chemise as he looked at me sadly, clutching his rib cage. The Keeper rushed to him, and using both hands shoved him off. We both watched him become airborne, and heard the sickening slap of his body collide with the hard packed ground. I looked at the Keeper with hatred in my gaze as he threw the gun down at my feet.

The sound of several pairs of shoes hitting the wooden staircase sounded as he smiled from cheek to cheek.

I felt my body burn with rage, the sting of betrayal fresh. For months this must have been his endgame as he helped us plan our rebellion. I knew now that I must take my love and run. I looked around, my head snapping to and fro for the best escape route. I gave him one last glare and jumped from the tower, my coat flapping behind me as I myself became airborne. I grabbed onto a jutting stone halfway down, slicing deeply through my gloved hand into my flesh. Grimacing, I scaled down the rest of the way, running as fast as I have ever run, running for my life.

Breathless I arrived home. My darlings face turned ashen as I entered, windswept and furious. "The jig is up my love, we are running out of time, fast. Pack a bag, we must flee. Your intuition was right, the Keeper betrayed us." She rushed to the other room, gathering her things.

When she returned to the front I grabbed onto her shoulders tightly and kissed her. "If we make it through tonight, just make it through the night and travel to our safe haven, I will never let you go."

"Neither will I my love, but remember this is the price you, we, now pay, for trusting the man in white."

"I know, we must hurry now. Mark my words, he'll find the wrong end of my knife for this betrayal."

We fled into the black night, leaving behind our home and all we have ever known.

We traveled for hours, always weary of what lurked behind. When we were finally miles away we stopped running. Legs burning, eyes watering.

"My love," She breathed raggedly. "I must rest."

I thought we were finally safe. Away from the white gaze of the Keepers, I rested my forehead against hers and shut my eyes, heart rate gradually slowing.

I opened my eyes again and looked into hers. They were wide, frightened. I looked down at her hands as a red patch expanded across her stomach. She clutched my wrists, her fingers ice. In a calm voice she said

"You must go this alone, I won't make it my love. My heart will grow tired, my legs will grow numb."

My breaths came out in short, panicked bursts. I knew now they were near.

"You will make it to dawn my love, you will see the sun of a new day, and we will have made it to our safe haven, I swear it!" Tears ran down my cheeks with a vengeance as I picked her up and ran, careful not to jostle her too much. I ran with all I had, chanting to her with the breath I had left.

"You will see and feel the sun again, even if only for one last time. You will see the sun. We will wait for a miracle and you will survive."

I ran on and on, till the first streaks of dust shimmered in the sky. I yelled at the heavens, hoping they would hear my sorrow filled plea.

"I won't let them you take them from us."