The Ashen Wrath (Watty's SHORTLIST recipient 2018) CHAPTERED VERSION

*40

Daun's mother gasped in horror the moment I stepped into the tent.

"Lemi, my name is Danth," I hushed. "I'm not here to cause trouble. I promise you, the drones aren't watching right now."

"They're always watching, fool," said the sturdy woman. "Get out!"

"No! He's right, Mom," said Daun. "I've been sneaking out at night to pick berries. I know I—"

"What?" Interrupted Lemi. "What is going on?" She picked up a cast iron pan and held it in front of her, defensively. "Daun, get away from him!"

"I'm from Zone 28, only a few miles to the west. Please...we don't have much time and I need to talk."

Lemi lowered the pan. "Did you say Zone 28?"

I nodded.

Lemi softened slightly. "What is this about?"

"The Privus are planning to level this zone to make room for a weapons manufacturing plant. Everyone here is in danger."

Lemi dropped her gaze and shook her head. "I...no. We've done everything they wanted! Our livestock quotas are always met. Why would they punish us?"

"The Privus are going to war, Mom," said Daun. "They're more concerned with making weapons than eating fancy meals."

"Fancy meals?" I couldn't help but ask.

"Horse meat," said Daun, turning toward me.

"What?" I said, appalled. "They eat the horses...they don't ride them?"

Daun shook her head, as if it were common knowledge. "It's a delicacy within The Walled City. It's horrible, I know."

"This is nonsense," complained Lemi. "You don't have any proof the Privus would harm us."

"Their announcement said they were 'clearing the land.' What else could that mean?" I said with frustration.

"Mom, please." Daun stepped closer and took the pan out of Lemi's hands. "You must know someone—anyone—who can help us. The people Danth care about are in danger too. We want to get away from this place...get away from the Privus for good. There's no time to argue."

Lemi glared at me. "Go back to where you came from boy, before I call the drones on you myself!"

"Don't do thi—" my words were stopped short as Lemi shoved me out of the tent.

"Mom, no!" cried Daun. She pulled her mother away then rushed to my side. "If you won't help us, we'll figure it out on our own!"

Lemi stomped back into the tent. I could hear sobbing.

"My mother's lived her entire life in fear. I don't know why I thought she'd act any different now," said Daun, kneeling to me. "Danth, come on. We'll take Tenslin and ride as far as we can, to the mountains if we must. There are rumors of people living in the caves, completely out of reach of the Privus. We'll come back as soon as we find a way to help everyone."

I pushed the memory of my brother's futile escape out of my mind. "Okay, but first we need to ride back to my village to retrieve something."

"What do you need?" asked Daun.

"it's a journal containing the lost history of our people—before they were called The Thrall. More importantly, the book contains secret plans for a biological weapon capable of wiping out the Privus. If we do find people in the mountains willing to resist, then maybe they can use the information to create the weapon."

"Why didn't you tell me!" said Daun, lighting up.

I shrugged. "There's been a lot going on. Besides, it's a long shot at best." I looked at my watch. "We need to hurry."

"Come on, we'll take Tenslin. If we stay close to the north edge of the prairie, maybe that...thing...won't detect us."

I didn't like the idea, but time was of the essence. "Alright."

"Wait!"

Daun and I turned around. Lemi emerged from a nearby pen, leading a beautiful, speckled gray horse.

"I know someone who may be able to help you, but they don't live here," said Lemi. "Son, can you ride?"

"Barely," I replied.

Daun elbowed me. "A little better than barely."

"You'll be much faster if you're each on a horse," said Lemi. "Take Rastin. She's the quickest mare on the ranch."

"Where are we going?" I asked, taking Rastin's reigns and gently stroking her side. I couldn't help but smile. "Easy, girl."

Lemi looked side to side then stepped closer. "One mile south of here, there's a small, unnumbered zone containing a single dwelling. It's surrounded by a stand of tall pines. The place is easy to miss unless you're looking for it."

"What?" said Daun. "You've never talked about this weird zone. How do you even know it exists?"

"It will make sense soon enough. To say more would just waste time," said Lemi.

"Thanks," said Daun, her tears welling. She ran to her mother and hugged her tight.

"Just..hurry girl, go on," said Lemi with a gasp.

A mile wasn't far on horseback, but the snake had emerged from the south—the direction we were heading. "We'll have to ride fast," I told Daun. She knew why.

Daun was already on Tenslin. "Then let's go!"

I nodded. "On my way."

"Danth," called Lemi, demanding my attention as I swung my leg over Rastin's saddle.

"Don't worry," I said, anticipating what she was about to say. "I'll keep Daun safe."

"I want to trust you," said Lemi, pulling a strand of long gray hair away from her face. Tears streaked her cheeks as she crossed her arms against a cool breeze.

"You can."

Lemi nodded and pursed her lips. I turned Rastin around and rode off to catch up with Daun, woefully unprepared for what was coming.