Discovering Freedom

Chapter 10

Now that we are back in the tunnels I never left Kayleb’s side. No one dares to come into the room. A dangerous glare sent them back through the door, only Talib came but even he knew not to push me so he only brings food, water and the fresh bandages I asked him for.

Kayleb still hasn’t woken but his chest rises and falls evenly which is the only thing that reassures me he’ sleeping.

I shouldn’t have left. I knew he would come with me. My mind turns inwards anger directed at myself. It’s my fault he got shot. I should have stayed at the hideout that had been our home for twelve years with only Dagon and Suri for company but it’s too late now. I can’t turn back time, no matter how much I wish for it.

Startled, I wake from my restless sleep. All I can hear is Kayleb’s steady breathing and quickly fading footsteps. Curious, I silently follow the sound. In the dimness I glimpse Talib turning another corner.

Several minutes later we emerge into a wood clearing. I stop at the entrance before the door closed and peek through the gap. Talib moves to the centre and flops onto his back and gazes up at the sparkling blanket of night above.

Slowly I open the door wider and leave through the opening.

I lower myself down next to him and lay back and stare up at the stars. We lie in silence for a few minutes. I knew he would talk when he was ready and besides it was a comfortable silence, the kind you just enjoy the company so there was no need to break it.

“How is he?” Talib asks softly with genuine concern in his voice.

“He’ll live,” ‘I hope’ I added quietly to myself.

A slight rustle and I feel his hand rest on my arm. It felt warm.

As if knowing what I was thinking he turned on his side to face me and flashes a comforting smile, “He’ll be alright and don’t ever think it’s your fault because it’s not.”

He looked so sure that for the first time I scarcely let myself believe him. I feel comforted, the feeling feels foreign and strange but it’s nice.

“Thank you.” I’m not quite sure what I’m thanking him for but I still feel grateful for it.

Words aren’t needed as we share a silent understanding.

Nothing is said for an hour but for the first time I wonder what his story is. Everyone joins the Resistance for a reason so what’s his?

“Talib,” I start.

“Yes,” he mumbles.

“Why did you join the Resistance?” my fingers fiddle with the hem of my shirt, not expecting him to answer.

“I’m here because I can’t just stand by and watch innocent people die, all Tamarack has brought is pain and suffering. Besides I couldn’t say no to Ethan, not after he took me in.”

“What do you mean?” I probe carefully, thinking he would shut me out if I push too much for answers.

“I grew up in the gutter, which means I had no home to speak of. I was a thief, out of necessity, not out of choice. It was the only way I could live. Ethan found me and took me in about five years ago, taught me to wield a sword and when he felt I was ready he asked me to join the ranks.” he rushed through it in one breath which makes me think he’s hiding something but I don’t push it because when he’s ready he’ll tell me but one way or another I’ll probably find out.