One Bright Spot

Chapter 23

And Then There Were Seven:

It is nearly dusk here on Crelis by the time Junas finishes with everyone's tattoos.

"Thank you for everything you've done for us", Kota tells the older woman. "How can we pay you back for your kindness?"

"Free my Queen", she responds automatically. Taking Kota's strong hands in her own wrinkled ones, she pleads with him, "Please, just free Queen Alivia so she can lead those left who are loyal into battle and bring peace to our troubled world."

Kota squeezes her hands gently, "I'm sorry for everything my father has inflicted upon you and your people."

Junas recoils slightly, "Do not apologize. His actions are not your own, I can see that, so do not feel responsible for the things your father has done.

"Now, you must hurry back to your cave. It is outside the patrol's boundary watch, so you will be safe there. Quickly now!"

We pick up our packs in one synchronized motion. Kota starts our good-byes. I stand at the end of our little line.

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

"What is that?" I ask no one in particular. I listen more intently and notice that it is coming from my pack. I drop it immediately, in case it is one of Sherry Golden's gadgets or weapons going crazy. "Um, guys? Hold up a second", I call. They all come to a stop and eye me.

Carefully, I inch my fingers toward the zipper on the pack. When I get it unzipped, I see a glowing coming from inside. It is not Alivia's device, because Kota has it, which means -

"Oh my gosh!" I holler, throwing caution to the wind and grabbing for my phone.

"What? How are you getting service?" Kota asks, coming over to me.

My eyes are glued to my screen, watching the texts and missed calls roll in. Two-hundred and fifty-seven to be exact. "I don't know, how did Jane get service on Asgard?" I glance up at him and see his blank face. "You know, Thor's girlfriend?"

Cue crickets.

I sigh, "Never mind."

"Remember, I've been locked away in my mother's skyscraper most of my life", he says, as if I need reminding.

"Excuses, excuses", I tease.

"You must hurry!" Junas is frantic. "Rebel soldiers are on their way."

Through Junas's windows, I see stirred up dust, like you see in all of the old westerns. It is steadily coming toward the little shack. My pulse begins to race.

"Quickly now!" Junas practically shoves us out the door, in the direction of the cave she had deemed 'safe'.

Kota leads our group in a run, making a bee-line for our cave. I'm just about to bring up the rear when Junas grabs my arm. "What is it?" I ask fearfully.

"Be careful. You are a special girl who will do special things." For a moment, time stands still as she says these kind words to me.

I nod my head once and the spell is broken. I take off after my friends; my heart racing, my footsteps thudding on the solid, rocky terrain, my leg muscles burning and protesting under the unexpected activity.

I try to focus on my breathing; my lungs scream for air. Being hospitalized for however long does nothing to build up your endurance, let me tell you.

Behind us, voices shout to one another.

"They've spotted us!" I yell hysterically out to those in front of me.