Refuge In The Shadows

9.

The metalworks factory loomed up ahead, an ugly monstrosity puffing out plumes of smoke. The overcast sky did not do much to compliment the synthetically constructed edifice. Despite the obvious indications that it was fully operational, the factory grounds appeared to be completely deserted; there were no signs of human life. Such a puzzling phenomenon was what the Hunters turned around in their minds as they cautiously made their way toward the building. They could not shake the feeling that there were eyes watching the premises.

Taking cover behind several empty crates haphazardly discarded a few metres from the east side of the factory, Carys signaled Cadeyrn, Bryn, Rhys, James, and Jonathan to join her. Swiftly and silently, they scaled the fence and huddled together in the cramped space. "We will explore the grounds in pairs," Cadeyrn instructed. Without thinking, Carys and Cadeyrn shifted closer to each other and no one dared to argue. Cadeyrn peeked out from their cover and upon determining it was safe to proceed, he dashed to the east wall on the factory with Carys not far behind. When Carys joined her brother, he boosted her up so she could reach a an uneven part of the brick to begin her ascent up to the roof. Cadeyrn quickly followed and the pair faded from sight as they hauled themselves onto the top of the building.

James watched the ease in which the siblings interacted with each other enamoured until he was interrupted by a playful punch to the shoulder. He refocused his attention on Jonathan who looked quite amused. "I say we investigate the recent shipment of supplies laying by the back entrance," he said, trying to hold back his mirth. James nodded hesitantly, still reeling from his thoughts. With Jonathan, he left the safety of the wooden crates. Bryn and Rhys had already snuck off to scout out a potential alternative entrance to the factory other than the obvious front and back entrances.

Back on the roof, Carys and Cadeyrn admired the view from their vantage point. In the very distance, the distinctive sights of the city were just barely discernable in the grey fog. Having indulged themselves for a few minutes, the twins turned to the task at hand. Lining the entire length of the rooftop were windows that provided them with glimpses into the factory's interior. They made their way to the first one and crouched down to peer inside. What Carys and Cadeyrn found was surprising. Down below, the workbenches were scattered with tools, rags, and unfinished parts, signs of human activity; however, from what they could see, not a single person sat in the seats. Dangerous gigantic metal machines churned without supervision, the sounds of turning gears were loud enough to be heard from all the way up where the twins observed.

"How very odd," Cadeyrn murmured. But they did not stop examining the scene before them. They carefully and thoroughly considered every miniscule detail, developing possible narratives that could explain this oddity. As Carys tried to make out what kind of contraption was in the middle of being manufactured, a blur of movement caught her eye, disappearing as quickly as it appeared. "Did you see that?" Carys asked, not taking her eyes off the dark corner of the room where the shadow was last seen. Cadeyrn tensed and leaned in closer to the window, "Yes, and if my eyesight has not failed me, I believe what we saw was a small child." Carys flinched and stood up to distance herself from the window. She paced precariously by the edge of the roof, visibly distressed by what she saw.

"Cadeyrn, since there are young children forced to work in this forsaken place, Carraway must be stopped as soon as possible. We cannot let this go on any longer," Carys said. Cadeyrn quickly strode over to each window to get a better angle of the assembly line. When he finished, he joined his sister by the roof's edge, "Yes, of course but we must be patient. We need to look at the other factories first, then somehow get access to Carraway. This factory is one of three, we must confirm that these conditions are found in the last two." Before Carys could reply, the creak of the back entrance door gave away to three men's voices. Slowly, she peered over the edge and saw the figures with guns drawn. They finished their conversation and begun to spread out and patrol the grounds.