Running from Family

Chapter 5: Family

"Gr-grandfather?"

Arthur's eyes were wide with shock. He was clearly processing the information, and Tord relished in his confusion.

"When your son left, it was to start all of this. He fell in love with one of his soldiers, a lovely woman named Katrina. They got married, and had a son. Me."

"My mother died not long after I was born, and I grew up in the base with my father. I went to school in England, because I could speak English, and I made some friends. Then, my father died."

"The death certificate said he was a car crash victim, but I knew he was assassinated. So, I took up the mantle of Red Leader at 20, and I have been ever since."

Arthur looked like he was struggling to process what happened. "So, you're my eldest grandchild?" He asked. Tord smiled. "I've wanted to know my family for a while, and now I do. I can see what side of the family I got my skills from." Tord replied.

"But why kidnap us?"

"It makes things more dramatic."

"Heh, you really are Albert's son."

An awkward silence filled the air, both men remembering the first Red Leader.

"Would you like to see his grave?" Tord asked with some difficulty. Arthur nodded, so Tord took his hand and led him down to the morgue.

The tomb of Albert Larkson was grand, yet not devoid of life. Some of the older soldiers had graffitied messages on the tomb, paying their respects to their previous leader.

Arthur knelt down and placed a hand on the plaque. Tord stepped back, offering his grandfather some space.

A minute of silence passed, then Arthur got up. "I want to see the base my son built." He said, eyes red from crying. "I want to see his legacy."

Tord smiled, and took his hand again. "I'm sure you'll love the training barracks..."

Meanwhile...

"And then, Red Leader took a small portion of Norway, and just enough to make the authorities notice as well..."

Kari groaned at her desk. She had been listening to her teacher ramble on about how great Red Leader was for almost an hour. Honestly, anything would be better than this.

The bell rang to signify the end of the lesson. Kari walked out with Lucy, talking about how boring the lesson was, when suddenly the crowd stopped to a halt.

Red Leader was standing in the lounge, but Kari was more focused on the man next to him.

"Grandpa!" She cried, breaking ranks to run towards him and hug him. He gladly returned the hug. "Kari..." he whispered. She had the feeling she was the only relative her grandfather had seen in a while.

"Arthur." Red Leader interrupted. "I'd like a word with you and your granddaughter." Arthur stiffed up at that. "Yes, of course." He said. "Come on Kari." He started to lead her away from the crowd, but Kari could still hear the whispers.

"The newbie broke ranks. She hugged one of Red Leader's personal guests without asking first. She's gonna get it now..."

Once they were a safe distance away from the students, Red Leader let out a laugh, but it was not a cruel one.

"You don't have to be as formal as them around me. Call me Tord." Red- no, Tord said.

"I realise we haven't been formally introduced yet. Sorry about the cells, my soldiers can be a little cruel when it comes to that. Rest assured, I punished them for their actions."

That last part made Kari shiver.

"Now, I feel I should explain myself. You know of your Uncle Albert, correct? (Here Kari nodded, as she was too stunned to talk) Well, he was the first Red Leader, and I am his son."

Despite herself, Kari laughed. Tord looked confused. "What's so funny?" He asked.

"I'm not the oldest!" Kari laughed. "Now you have to put up with the twins!"

"Technically sport, you're still their sister." Arthur pointed out.

"Don't ruin this for me Grandpa!"

Tord smiled, and put an arm around the two of them. "So Kari, how are you finding the classes?" He asked.

"Alright. The teachers all have sticks up their butts, but the kids are mostly nice." Kari replied.

"Well, you tell me if anyone gives you trouble, and I'll deal with them, ok?"

"Thanks Tord."

"You're welcome. Oh, one more thing! Don't tell anyone about our relationship, ok?"

"Sure."

"Excellent. Run along now, you don't want to be late for class."

Kari groaned, and ran off.

Arthur smiled, and put an arm around Tord.

"So, about Sam..."

Meanwhile...

Kari joined the queue outside her classroom. Her mind was still racing with what she had learned. She was related to the Red Leader?

Lucy looked back at her. "What just happened?" She asked.

"I can't tell you." Kari replied.

"No, you're not fooling me. I saw you walk off with the Red Leader. How did you not get in trouble?"

"I honestly can't tell you, Lucy. T-Red Leader told me not to."

Lucy looked angry at that, but chose not to comment.

After class, Kari went to the lounge to rest and think about what she had learned. Part of her brain was already coming up with ways she could exploit her newfound status in the army.

She guessed that was the Larkson part of her shining through.

Sitting on a chair in the lounge was Sam, looking shocked. Kari sat down next to him.

"Did you find out about Uncle Albert?" She asked.

Sam just nodded in reply. "It's his birthday soon, you know." He said.

"That's probably gonna be a huge remembrance thing isn't it?"

"Most likely. Maybe we'll see our parents again."

Kari smiled, and hugged her cousin. It was good to know that somebody else was going through the same things as her.

Meanwhile...

"Hey Ava, you seem stressed."

Ava blinked. "Sorry, I've just been rather stressed lately. My friend's been kidnapped by the Red Army." She explained.

Her art tutor looked down at her kindly. "It's alright." He said. "I'm not sure, but I think I lost a friend to the Reds too."

"Did you ever find them?"

"I never said they were a captive."

Ava sensed that there was more to the story, but chose not to comment.

"I'm sorry to hear that your friend is missing, but I'll be surprised if the police find her. They've never found that place before, I don't think they will now. I could probably find it though, if I looked hard enough."

"You'd really do that?"

"Of course I would Ava! You're one of my most promising students! Plus, it's been a while since my friends and I have gone on an adventure. Maybe I can get your parents to let you come too!"

"Thank you Mr Gold!"

I'm sorry for not updating sooner! However, we might be getting a book cover soon, so that's something to look forward to. I promise I won't leave you on this cliffhanger for a while!

-Star