Chapter Two
722 Words
A tap on my shoulder wakes me up from my slumber and I stare up to see Jumani peering down at me.
"Morning" she and my sister say and I mumble a greeting back in return.
Looking outside, the day is already bright and i turn furiously to Jumani, "Why didn't you wake me up for my watch?"
"Cool down tiger, I thought you needed the extra sleep. Besides, Tess agreed to watch while I slept. She's already getting better "
I look at my sister and see her that there's a more colour to her face and I check her temperature.
"You're just only slightly warm, I guess you are getting better"
Leaving our corner in the gloomy old warehouse, I go to the washroom and check the reservoir to find only a murky brown water left.
Ew
Taking my washclothes, I wet it with little water from my water bottle and use it to clean my face. Looking at the dirt streaked mirror, tired grey eyes stare back at me. I sigh at the mess my hair is in. I took my mom's auburn curls while my sister took my dad's brown hair. At least that's what I was told. He was taken when I was very little and my memories of him are fading.
Using my hand as comb, I try to detangle the mess. Seeing there's no hope, I pack it into a ponytail and step out of the washroom. Signalling to Jumani and Tessa, we head out of the shelter.
Tying my handkerchief around my nose and wearing my googles to protect my eyes from the harsh air.
"I'll need to head farther out if there is to be any luck of finding something", I turn to the others and see them doing the same.
Our shelter is located at the bottom of a valley which gives us an advantage. The lookouts on the roof each have a binoculars and a loud horn has been installed in case of danger to alert us. Our only chance of survival is to run in different directions, even Jumani can't take them all if a horde of demons decide to attack us.
Unrolling a map, we all squat around it and I point to a part marked with a red x. "This is the only region we haven't searched. I'm sure there's food and water there"
"Of course, there is" she drawls sarcastically. "And there are also demons there, we all know they come from that direction. Only a mad or suicidal person will go there"
"Well, all the old stores in this region have been picked clean and unless you want us to go mad with hunger, I have to go"
Removing all the food in my coat, I gesture to Jumani to do the same. Two and a half bottle water, half bag of beef jerky and a granola bar were all we had left. Taking my backpack, I pick up my half bottle of water and the granola bar and give them the rest.
"I'd have done an incognito spell but we both know that's how they track witches now" Jumani says sadly. "I think we should follow you, at least to the outskirts of their territory, we'll wait there for you"
"Okay" I say pulling them into a hug and they hug me tighter. "I'll be back or if I don't make it within 24 hours, leave without me"
"Don't say that" Tessa says, pissed. "You must come back"
"I'll try to, little one" hugging her fiercely.
We move out heading to the west in a brisk but steady pace, keeping to shadows as much as we can. I knew at once when we got close to the boundary, I could smell the rot from miles away and the whole street was littered with dkeletons in different stages of decay.
The whole area was desolate and finding a house was easy. I had to insist they stay a safe distance away from the boundary which was marked with a fence of bones.
Giving them a last hug and kissing my sister's forehead. I pull my friend over away from my sister's earshot. "Promise me you'll protect her if anything goes wrong"
"I promise" says Jumani looking emotionally.
"Cmon stop it already" I say bumping into her shoulder.
Rechecking my knives and squaring my shoulders, I begin my journey into their boundary.
- Writer
