Mama, Hold On

Chapter 10

As the violence ensued, I looked far off from the boundaries of the centre's walls. I was quickly able to spot where a few of my men were hiding out. While everyone else was consumed with the Thirties, I managed to slip away and Wavu and I galloped off. We arrived at this small hut like building. It had no door--ideal for horses--and was just big enough for a few people to hide in. Two men and two horses, that was all. When asked, they claimed the others had already gone and that they had been dragged down by the body. For a good moment, I'd forgotten what they were referring to with "the body." So, I asked for them to explain. The taller and clearly stronger of the two stood and rolled out a large bag from its concealed spot in a corner. You could see the shape of a head, arms and feet from the outside. Once I touched the bag, the memory came rushing to me as I understood.

Without a word, I looked up at them, mounted Wavu, and we galloped off. Instantly, a few guards spotted me and a stream of arrows skidded by us. Wavu zigzagged her way through it until we made it back to the square. There, I grabbed the first pair of Lenties whom I saw weren't fighting--a pair of twins it seemed, no older than fifteen, both thinly framed, dark skinned, black hair, and almost identical features. Though the boy was slightly taller and had a sharper jaw while the girl looked a little heavier and had longer hair. The two held onto each other's hands like their life depended on it and seemed to be scared to even look up at me. Hastily, I grabbed the boy's shoulder and told them both to clamber onto Wavu behind me. They did so and we continued riding off with a few guards on our trail. The girl noticed and quickly alerted her brother for the two to take action. With that, I rode off.

We were far off away from anyone else before I dared to turn back. This time around, we tailed the district walls, staying away from the heart of the violence. Fortunately, the twins remained silent as Wavu carefully navigated the edges of the district. Her hooves gently padded the blood stained snowflakes, barely leaving even prints behind. I kept my head lowered and close to her mane, calming Wavu as I watched out for any sign of anyone else. It was a surprisingly smooth ride. Every now and then we'd come across a body, it tended to be one of a Thirty, so I interpreted it as a good sign.

Soon, we were but yards away from the district gates. I started to grow wary, knowing how heavily guarded the area was. Wavu drastically slowed as I looked for elsewhere to go. Though, I saw nothing, so she continued. Despite knowing that one hoof into the camera's range would spark a full-blown attack. The twins behind me began to sweat as well. 

The girl tugged on my arm, "Excuse me, Sir. But it's not wise to go there..." For a moment, I paused, considering being honest to her. Then I remembered she was but a child and dismissed her with a nod. I flicked Wavu's reigns. With some hesitation, she gradually sped up. At first, we remained unharmed. But once the cameras caught sight of us, a series of lasers shot down at us and Wavu desperately zigzagged to attempt an escape.

By some miracle, she made it through. However, with a burnt hoof and lower leg. Running away from the gates was a drag and I could feel her stumbling on her injured front leg. After a moment, I had the twins slide off of Wavu. From there, they walked behind as I led the way to my men. Once I saw them and their little camp, I also saw the body in the sack, carefully placed between a few horses.

My first move was to walk up to the sack and untie it. There I saw the same freckled face and copper hair that had first caught my eye. Oddisya. But, she was more faded than she was before. Clearly, being in a bag with minimal sunlight and food wasn't all that good for her skin. 

I looked over my shoulder, at the twins uncomfortably shifting behind me. I beckoned them, "Zap her."

The boy looked at me questioningly, "Not to be rude, Sir, but this lady doesn't appear to be conscious."