Stranded

Chapter 24 ~ Hannah

I arrive at the edge of the forest near castle rock, and it doesn't take long to decide that Ralph's idea, or Piggy's, who ever came up with the brilliant plan to talk to a group of murderers, is going extremely poorly. Two boys, on from each group, seem to be fighting, but it's too far away to say who or what they are saying to each other. However, I'd be willing to bet that it's Jack and Ralph and that the distant sound of yelling belongs to them.

They stop after a bit, Ralph facing the rock and Jack facing the forest. Ralph grounds his spear. Nothing seems to happen for a few moments, then some Savages surround two of the unpainted boys, probably Sam and Eric. Ralph goes at it again.

Piggy stands, raising what is probably the conch above his head.

Then, suddenly, one of the boys at the top of the rock shoves a bolder down. I watch in silent horror as the bolder strikes Piggy throwing him off the cliff.

I barely role myself out of the way in time as the bolder continues into the forest before laying on the forest floor in shock.

I just....

I....

I witnessed....

Oh my God....

I just witnessed murder.

I can't think.

I want to scream.

As if watching a moving picture, I see Ralph run by my hiding place and hear the hunters come up to around where I am to grab a pig's body.

I just stay still, my only thoughts being what I just witnessed.

It takes what feels like an eternity for me to make myself move. I can tell it's already afternoon.

Carefully, more scared of the Savages than ever, I move farther into the forest and out of sight of Castle Rock before following Ralph's trail.

I find him around some fruit trees.

"Your hurt," I say. Startled, Ralph jumps and spins around to face me. He has a large gash over his right ribs and scratches all over his body. "It's alright, Cassie sent me." He calms somewhat.

"What do you want?" he asks.

"Cassie sent me to invite you to our camp. The invitation was open to...." I drop off biting my lip. "Your entire group, but...."

"I've got to go back."

"You can't; they'll kill you. I saw what they did. You know I'm right."

"Samneric."

"Ralph, you'll need help. Help that Cassie's willing to give."

"What can she do?"

"You'd be surprised," I say. "Look, who knows what they'll do tomorrow, but we're safer in numbers."

He is silent for a moment before saying, "Take me to the camp."