A Game Of Pawns

Chapter 10

I didn't think heading to a burning building was a smart idea, but I trusted Saris enough to believe he had reasons for wanting to go there. It couldn't be that dangerous, right? I mean, it had clearly been burning for a while but I didn't see any flames. And, there would be no reason for anyone to stay there anymore. If it was the result of a fight, anyone who survived would be long gone; at least, that's what I hoped.

"Saris, what do you think happened?" I asked.

Saris didn't say anything at first. I thought he was in awe of the charred building but when I looked at him, he was looking up and around to other buildings, not at the one we were headed to. "I dunno, but we're gonna find out." He said. "Keep your guard up." Quietly and slowly, he made his way down the street. It was impressive to watch, he walked carefully and intentionally, but also very naturally. To anyone else he would probably appear to be going on a very relaxed stroll, but he naturally stepped in a way that avoided any litter, pebbles or anything that would make any noise. He was completely silent.

I followed, trying to be quiet but probably looking awkward, like I was a wannabe ninja or something. I studied what Saris did. When he looked up, I looked up. But I didn't see anything and I wondered if he saw more than I did. He turned his head, looking towards the opposite building's roof, I did the same, finding nothing again. Every so often, he would look at our destination, but usually, only for a moment. He seemed to be more interested in the area around us or around our goal. The building was no longer on fire and the smoke was escaping through open windows on the top floor and ventilation shafts throughout the building. We should be able to enter without worrying too much about the smoke. I was more concerned about the lingering heat, the stability of the building and whether or not there were any enemies hanging around.

"Saris?" My curiosity got the better of me and I heard him grunt softly in response. "Why are you looking at the other buildings?"

"Could be a trap." Saris whispered. "Lure us in and attack us while we're in a confined space. Or bring the building down on us."

I suddenly did not want to go inside. "We don't have to check it out." I said nervously. "We can just head to the park like you planned."

"No." Saris said calmly. "I don't see anyone waiting for us. Besides, it's a good idea to see what made the fire. Or if we're lucky, see if someone survived the fire." He shrugged and added, "Unless they're not friendly."

"Even if they are, wouldn't they be injured?"

"We're a week into the game. Most people will have teams by now. Injured help is still help. We're too far behind to be picky." He turned to reassure me, "It's not your fault. It's just the facts."

This did not calm my nerves but I followed anyway. Saris was my best chance of survival right now. I had to keep telling myself that every few steps. Soon we were in front of the building. Saris had scoped the area multiple times before he gestured for me to follow and he stepped inside the open door. "Saris is my best chance for survival." I mumbled to myself as I followed him in.

It was hot inside and it smelled like burnt plastic and ash. The room was likely a receptionist area for some business; maybe a doctors office or something. Everything was blackened and I dared not to touch it for fear of burning myself or making whatever I touched crumble to pieces. But this was a rather large room and it looked like it had several chairs lined up against the walls, though they were now melted and unusable. I wouldn't trust any of them to carry any weight and several of them were already too broken to attempt to sit on.

Saris walked calmly through the room, inspecting every detail. He didn't seem concerned about the safety of the building, but I assumed that he simply wanted to get in and out quickly and efficiently. No use in being slow and cautious. After a moment, he quietly said, "This way."