Sector 4

THREE

ELDON

"Come on now, get in." The soldier pushed Cara up into the wagon and locked her chains to a steel bar on the side. Then it was my turn. I stumbled as the soldier behind me shoved my shoulder, almost sending me to the ground. A second later the same hand grabbed my arm and pushed me into the wagon. I shrugged off the hand and took a seat across from Cara.

The soldier grabbed my chains and attached them to the side of the wagon, assuring that I wouldn't be able to escape. The horse at the front of the wagon nickered, and the driver up front slapped its reigns to get it moving.

The wagon jolted forward, rumbling over the uneven ground and almost knocking Cara and I over. I gave her a reassuring nod before staring past the Black Militia surrounding the wagon. I looked out at the broken down buildings and past that, the rising sun. The air was already becoming stifling and I could feel sweat start to collect at the base of my neck.

I readjusted on the hard bench and my leg brushed against Cara's. My eyes met hers; they were red rimmed and puffy. My heart ached for the pain I had caused her and the pain that was still to come.

Cara looked down, a strand of her dark brown hair falling across her face. The color was almost identical to mine, and sometimes she liked to tease me that we were twins. But our looks differed in everything else. My eyes were dark green while hers were light brown, almost golden. I had a wider nose while Cara's was tiny and petite and her features were all small, the opposite of mine.

A conversation between the driver and one of the soldiers riding alongside him caught my attention. They were talking about how long it would take to get to the sector. Or, sectors. 

A lump formed in my throat at the reality of this situation. We would be separated; we would never see eachother again. From what I knew of the sectors, we wouldn't be allowed to stay together.

"Are we ever going to see each other again?" Cara's soft, sweet voice hit my ears.

I reached my hands across the gap between us as far as the chains would allow, and grasped Cara's cold hands. "It'll be okay. I promise." But as soon as those words left my mouth I felt like a liar. How could I promise such a thing? I didn't know what would happen; I couldn't guarantee any such thing.

We rode on at a steady pace for most of the day and didn't stop for a break until the sun was high in the sky. By then, sweat had soaked through my undershirt and jacket and coated every inch of my skin. My throat was parched and my eyes were itchy from the bright sun. The wagon was pulled into an old barn with broken down walls and a roof full of holes. It provided some shade, and for that both Cara and I were relieved.

A soldier walked by on my side of the wagon, and I swallowed my pride. "Can we have some water?" I asked.

He paused, his dark eyes looking at me like I was some scum of the earth. "I don't think so," he scoffed.

I pulled against the cuffs on my wrists in frustration. "Please," I grit out. "We're thirsty."

He cast me one more glance before continuing on his way without another word. I slammed my fists down on the edge of the wagon and let out a long, drawn sigh.

"There a problem, boy?" Another soldier approached the wagon, slapping his large hands on the side. I could tell he was older, and by the looks of it, more of a superior officer. He stood with a sort of confidence that oozed out of him.

"We need some water. But apparently your men are too incompetent." I knew I was testing the line at my words, but I couldn't help it. Cara and I had been through enough in these past few days; we didn't deserve more.

The man's grey eyebrows crinkled in amusement. "Oh really?" And without turning away, he yelled, "Chan, get the prisoners something to drink."

"Yes, sir," Came the answer from across the barn.

A little bit of me relaxed; at least my words had done something good this time. I leaned back more, just as the man stepped closer.

"I'd be careful about what comes out of your mouth," he said, his voice tinted with a threat. "Most Militia aren't as kind as I am."

A/N: So what do you all think of the story so far?? Comment and let us know!

Eldon - Ithildae

*Photo pictured is of what the Black Militia look like*