Dreamscape: Saving Alex

Chapter Sixteen

I stumbled into town, dragging my bag behind me. I'd been reduced to incoherent mumbling, begging Arrow to slow down. My shorter legs refused to keep up with his urgent pace. By the time we crossed into town, they gave way, refusing to budge anymore. I slumped over and hung my head low, avoiding his eyes. I'd had enough.

"It's not much farther," he said, pulling my arm.

"I can't do it. I'm done. I can't move. You go, get your men, and do what you have to do. Just leave me here for a few minutes." I waved him along, keeping my gaze fixed on the dusty road.

Even though I refused to look up, his eyes burned into me. "I was going to get food first. But if you're too tired for that..."

My head jerked up, and my eyes met Arrow's mischievous smile.

"You better not be kidding," I said, narrowing my gaze. This wasn't the time to mess with me. "Help me up."

"It'll be the best stew you've ever had, I promise. Now Goldy, before we go any further..."

"I know, I know, hide my hair." I started to twist my ponytail, but he stopped me.

"No. This time, I want everyone to see who you are."

"I don't understand." I let my hair slide back down my neck.

"We've passed the point of waging a silent battle. When they see you, they'll know the time has come for action. It's time to take back our kingdom." His voice rang out triumphantly.

I rolled my eyes. I was not in the mood for a speech.

"Whatever you say. Just get me something to eat." I reluctantly stood, leaning against his arm as a wave of lightheadedness rolled over me. I hated the way my body—and attitude—deteriorated so quickly without food. Hangry, as Natalie called it. All my other pains seemed minor compared to the gnawing hole growing in my stomach.

My vision blurred, and I followed Arrow's gentle tugs. The brief glances I managed to take of my surroundings did not impress me. I looked around, disheartened.

Flourin seemed to be a city of monotony, forgotten under a layer of dust. The bones of the old capital were there, but I recognized nothing else from Arrow's stories. Nothing stood out to me in the deserted market. I didn't see a single person. In fact, everything Arrow had praised about this town seemed wrong. I only hoped he was right about the food.

Cobblestones tripped me, and I stumbled, barely finding enough energy to step over the broken edges.

"We're almost there," Arrow said, stopping to help me up. "I promise you, this will be worth it."

"It better be," I mumbled, grabbing at his arm.

The farther into town we went, the more I began to doubt where he was taking me. Cottages and storefronts appeared from behind the wall of dust. Instead of comforting me, the evidence of disuse and neglect added to my discomfort. Gusts of wind shrieked through the broken windows, signs creaked, swinging from only one end, and dark corners lengthened into dark buildings.

It was a shame, really. These cottages, if repaired, could belong in one of my mom's magazines. I sighed, watching half my reflection disappear in the cracks. Neglect was a formidable enemy, always underestimated.

A knot, bigger than hunger, twisted my stomach. Who did Arrow hope to find here?

He stopped in front of a rundown building. The faded sign had twisted on its hinges. The letters spun, indecipherable, but the bread and bowl etched into the windows told me what it had once been.