Scavengers {#Wattys2016}

Chapter Ten

Andrew's head peaked up from the other side of the palace wall. He scanned checking the surroundings in the garden. Andrew tossed over his heavy white bag with a thump then hopped over after it landing in the squatting position. He snapped his head to the left hearing voices of  running feet. 

He threw the bag behind the bushes in the corner of the garden as the soldiers came sprinting with their guns. He sat down with crossed legs as he pulled out a book pretending to read. He licked his fingers about to turn the page when one of the soldier's called. 

"Sir!". 

Andrew looked up at this concerned. They must've noticed he was missing. Damn it. Normally they never even cared...unless his mother realized something or was again watching him like he was a fragile baby to be worried about. 

"Yes?", asked Andrew with raised eyebrows as the soldier came up to him. The man was out of breath as he stopped halting in front of Andrew. 

"Your mother has requested you", said the soldier taking him arm forcefully and hoisted him up. 

"Hey! Watch your hold!", snapped Andrew tearing out his arm. He hated the disrespect he was being given. His mother was the president of the Order! Even though Andrew didn't get along well with his mother he respected her authority and knew he had some too just by being her son.

 The soldier took his arm again though, yet he apologized his voice was a bit frantic and he glanced around. "Sorry sir, we have our precautions to take", said the soldier and pulled Andrew quickly behind him.

Andrew noticed his seriousness in the situation. His eyebrows furrowed. What could be wrong? Normally the soldier's were all quiet and self reserved. 

As Andrew was pulled around the men were hurrying about and manning up ever door and corridor. They jogged in groups of three by four heavy guns loaded. Yet Andrew said nothing. He would have to ask his mother. The soldiers always seemed to be left uninformed. They were trained to just listen and do as they were told. Never to ask why or demand a reason. Just to do. 

Andrew changed into something more proper before standing in front of his mother's office. He sighed running his hands through his brown curly hair and then smoothed down the silver attire he wore. He opened the red door slowly. 

Andrew stepped inside closing it behind him. 

"Mother", he said quietly. 

Jeanne snapped her head back hearing her son's voice. 

"Andrew!", she cried throwing her arms around him. This action stunned Andrew for a moment taking him by surprise. Yes his mother may have been a bit too obsessed with his own well being and safety yet this was abrupt. Andrew smiled holding his mother's hands. 

"Mother, you seem worried, what is it?", asked Andrew smiling a pristine smile of perfect white teeth. 

Jeanne's eyes softened at his smile. Once Andrew's teeth had been crooked and awkward. Now though they were perfect and had no fault in them. His eyes were bright brown and reflected the light within the room. Bright with intelligence and curiosity. 

"Nothing....Nothing to concern yourself with sweet heart", said his mother patting his cheek. Andrew's smile shrunk a bit. But even his own mother did not notice his discontent. 

"Mother, that guards are too hurried....this is not nothing", he pressed. 

His mother frowned, "It's being handled, I just wanted to know where you were", said Jeanne. 

"Mother, I am your own son. Have I no right to know your troubles and share them with you?", asked Andrew. 

Jeanne sighed resting her hand on his cheek and looked up at him with her old aged eyes. The wrinkles were  not too present. Yet even though his mother looked younger than she actually was there was no hiding the true fact that she was over 65 now. 

"You remind me so much of him...", Jeanne whispered. 

"There is just a problem outside the walls regarding the illegals. Nothing that should frighten you", said Jeanne. 

Andrew smiled, "Alright mother", he whispered. He took her hand and put it back down, "I'm going to go to my room", Andrew added and kissed his mother on her forehead. 

Andrew left the office and shut the door again quietly. He thought as he walked. Andrew's mind was preoccupied. Something was going on outside the wall? What was going on outside the wall? When Andrew had been making his usual patrols along the wall he saw nothing. Just the flowing of the water and the metallic fence. He never saw anyone or anything. 

Andrew looked back down the hallway. If there was something going on outside the wall then tomorrow....troops would be going outside....

....this might be Andrew's only chance to see what is on the other side. Maybe he could get rid of what frightened his mother so much.