The Long Road Home: Homecoming

34

Page was impressed with the twenty foot tall steel wall and gateway that had been erected blocking the bridge completely. They had even constructed wooden walkways for the guards to watch over. On the Island side of the wall, were four cabins for the guards to take shelter in. Page had been unconscious when they first arrived to the island, but bet it was impressive seeing it as people came over the bridge.

Adam who was on the walkway motioned them up. The group went to the top of the wall getting there weapons ready.

'They are hanging back.' He told them. 'They know we have spotted them. I do not know what they are waiting for.' Page scanned the north looking for anything that could explain it. There were no corrupted with in her range. There were a few halflings to the far north east, but nothing else.

'Can they cross the ice?' Kidd asked worried. 'They may just be distracting us so their people can sneak onto the island.'

'The river's ice is unstable this year.' Chris assured them. 'It is too thin in the middle to cross.'

'Look.' Ty said getting everyone's attention. He was pointing to the far end of the bridge. Three people were walking over the bridge. Those who were hiding among the cars, came out and went to meet them. They spoke and the tallest of the group came forward. They watched as he walked alone to the wall. This one was not wearing one of the goat mask. When he reached the wall, he looked up to the group watching them.

'I am Alexander.' He called. 'I wish to speak to someone in charge.'

'That would be my brother and I.' Adam answered. 'How can we help you?' The man studied him for a moment.

'My people and I were separated from our settlement by a cowardly attack.' Alexander said. 'A group of tainted blew up the bridge to our home near the end of summer. The few of us who were trapped off our island have set up a small community until we can find a way back to our home. Our supplies however are starting to run out so we seek trade for food.'

'You tell an interesting tale.' Chris said. 'It is unfortunate for you that we know it is nothing but a tall tale. Those people who blew up your settlements bridges only did so after your people attacked them on the road attempting to murder them.' Alexander scowled outraged.

'They were tainted.' He said annoyed. 'They needed to be purified.'

'Tainted.' Page said annoyed. 'You people murder, rob, and torture people. Who are you to call people tainted?' He scowled at her. 'Don't bother to deny it.' She said before he could speak. 'We spoke with Gale, the tracker your people attacked and tortured. Your people bragged about all of the innocent people you murdered. You are no better than raiders.'

'I agree.' Adam said nodding. 'We do not aid raiders in our settlement. We cannot however let people suffer and starve. I will give you some advice that will help you. You are set up in a great big city full of houses and stores. We never needed to leave the island so all of those places have gone untouched. Send your people into the buildings and gather what you need.'

'Now please leave.' Chris called 'You are not welcome here.' Alexander glared at the group watching him.

'When the bridges are repaired,' he growled 'I will be sure to inform our leader that those on Grand Island support the tainted.' Chris snorted unconcerned.

'Hugh. Show the man what he has to look forward to if his people get any stupid ideas.' Adam said. A big man opened a wooden crate next to the wall under a strange looking medal piece Page had been curious about. He pulled out a massive black machine gun and with help, mounted it on the bracket. 'If you don't recognize this. It is only one of four .50 caliber M2 mounted machine guns.' As he spoke, Hugh was loading a belt of massive bullets into the gun. 'We try to avoid shooting it. It is so powerful, the bullets go through the road and cause far too much damage.'