The Hallways of Artemisa

Chapter One - On the Run

12:06am. Twelve year old Lucas remained silent. His friend's pocket watch ticked silently as he stared at it before handing it back over. His mother read the letter over and over again as she paced the room, flustered. Mark stood watch at the open cabin door, listening closely for the sound of soldiers. The candles in the room flickered from the soft wind coming in through the door.

"You can't just send him there by himself!" Mrs. Darly, the neighbor, said to his mother. "How in the world is he supposed to understand legal procedures by himself? He's just a child!" 

His mother continued to pace the room. Some of the children began rough housing loudly with each other. One glare from Lucas and they all quieted down. They had seen what he could do today. They didn't need to be told twice.

Mark glared at Lucas. He could not understand how people respected a child more than him. He was almost drafted in the Army for heaven's sake! Lucas was just bordering on his older brother's fame, he told himself. Still, Mark didn't dare open his mouth to tell Lucas anything. He just listened and glared at them from time to time while keeping watch.

A deep voice in the corner of the room suddenly spoke up. "Please ma'am. Your older son went through a lot to secure that space at the shelter for you. After the war rages here there will be no way for him to contact you here. If you don't move now you will lose that space he assigned. He can contact you there when he returns. Provisions will also be made available for you." The deep voice belonged to a soldier who had taken the chance to find them and deliver the message.

"Can't he contact us at the Mansion? The war isn't affecting that area way out there. And he's been there before. He can find us there if... when he returns." She said the last part slowly but carefully, trying to hold back tears in her eyes.

"I'm afraid not. Understand that you  have been assigned guaranteed protection in the shelter. For you to refuse it would mean consequences for him if you waste such provisions since he already requested it. Also..." his voice trailed off into a whisper, "There have been... odd things happening in the Military amongst the Units. He wants you to be there for a reason, but he did not explain it to me. All I know is, during down times, some soldiers are permitted to return briefly to shelters if their families are there." 

Lucas' mother gasped at his last words. She would be able to see him! But what things were happening in the Military? She then gazed back at the letter in her hand, sent by her great uncle, but addressed to Lucas:

______________________________________________________________________________

2nd of September, 1995

To: Lucas Arrington

My dearest boy. I hope all is well. I'm sorry I've never gotten the chance to meet you. You came here once as a baby, I still remember your vibrant smile my boy!  But that visit was brief. Your older brother spent many a days here at the Mansion. Last I heard he is off fighting in the  War. I hope all is well with him.

You may be wondering why I'd suddenly send you a letter. If you are anything like your brother I know you won't take kindly to receiving this out of the blue.  Believe me when I say Elaine and I thought of you often. Your great aunt would have loved to see you. Unfortunately she is not with us anymore, and I fear I will not be too far behind. 

Elaine and I lived a great life full of adventure, but it was not without its troubles along the way. Our home and everything we have reflects that. We may not have met, but if its one thing I know, is that both you and your brother are very special. 

No one sees things the way I see. But I know you will. That is why I leave everything that is in my sole possession and that of Elaine's, if any, to you. I trust that the staff will keep you well and attend to you faithfully as they did me, and that the Mansion will be your home and friend. Treat it well, and it will do likewise to you.