I breached the grass and arrived at a rocky hillside snarled with tree roots. Oak branches dangled over a ledge high above me. They seemed reachable with a bit of effort. I leaned against the stones and caught my breath while checking the time. It had taken me longer to get through the prairie than I would have liked.
"I can't turn back yet," I mumbled to myself. I hurried to climb the wet rock face, finding no easy route. My battered boots threatened to slip and send me to my death. Nearing the top of the cliff, I finally managed to grasp one of the thick branches and hoist myself higher.
Letting out a winded grunt, I tugged my body over the top of the hill only to wind up in a thicket of bushes. Every muscle was burning with pain. I remembered I had a factory shift to look forward to when I returned to the village—if I returned. After looking at my watch I let out a sigh of disappointment. "Just one look, then I'm gone," I mumbled.
I heard a sharp noise. Wary of a wild animal, I rose up quickly and realized it had been a gasp.
CZYTASZ
The Ashen Wrath (Watty's SHORTLIST recipient 2018) CHAPTERED VERSION
Science FictionA science fiction novella in 76 chapters. (CHAPTERED VERSION FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE) The Privus live a life of safety and luxury in The Walled City, while the Thrall are forced to labor in isolated fields and factories. Menacing machines keep the work...
