Dweller
Chapter 12

I followed through with my plans of staying up that night, warding off any attempts to sleep. All through the night, it was quiet the nearby city kept any animals from wandering in too close. The night was busy and even if I attempted to sleep, I highly doubted I could. The carriages were brought in by horse which neighed all throughout the night. The clanking of the hooves on the unleveled floor, and the heaving of the obnoxious donkeys.

Even inside the city was still awake from outside the bright lights still illuminated giving off a bright glare. The loud noises of men wandering the city drunk could be heard.

Finally the sun poked its way through the clouds. The rain yesterday had left straggling clouds behind covering the sky. It was hard to tell whether it was night or day, but the unrest of animals and people signified the start of the day.

I started walking up to the city walls, there was a large gathering ang four guards standing watch outside. They would stop people for their ID to show they were permitted to enter. I didn’t have one, and had no knowledge of how to get one. But I desperately needed to get inside so I could figure out where I was and how to get home.

I walked back to my original spot near the river and thought up a plan. I knew sneaking in wasn’t a plan, the walls were too high to climb and there was no easy way to sneak past the guards without an ID. Just then a long line of merchant carts came by. I had seen them earlier as I woke up, but didn’t mind them. They might just be useful.

I lurked behind making sure to stay out of sight. Once the last cart trolled along I quickly launched myself in. The over hanging drapes of the curtains falling closed behind me, making everything seem like I was never there.

Inside the carriage were barrels of food and wine, but more importantly on top sat a young looking woman. She looked to be around 15 or 16. We both just stared at each other awkwardly.

She had short shoulder length brown hair, and the brightest green eyes, very similar to mine. She was wearing brown dirt baggy pants that barely went below her knees. Her long tan, maybe once white tank-top, flows down to her waist.

Knowing very well we were both stowaways. We started staring at each other before we came to a halt. Informing us that we’ve reached the gate.

We both glanced at each other before both jumping up from our spots and hiding behind the most well disguised barrels we could replace. No one spoke to each other. We were both watching the other person and the curtain. Both on guard and ready for anything that might happen.

The rummaging of some barrels and other wooden containers could be heard and a voice clearing them saying they were all set to head in.

The cart started to move, our eyes were now trained into each other. The other girl spoked first, finally breaking the heavy and fearful air, “Names Smorgins, I’m 14? Who are you?”

I stared at her contemplating whether or not I should say my name, I just met another random stowaway and most definitely did not trust them enough at all to tell them about me or my life. I decided on telling them my actual age and a fake name.

“My name is uhhhhhh……” I trail on thinking of a name “Well I don’t have one I say.” Trying to get rid of the questioning face on the other stow.. I mean Smorgins face.

“Oh! Well that's all right, If you stick around here long enough you’ll end up with some sort of name.” The girl says as she starts to ramble. “I actually run a small organization of abandoned children. If you ever want to join, just look around the street for any children and say that you're looking for me.” She says before standing up and walking to the curtain door.

“Oh before I forget, you might want to lose the bag or else it’ll get stolen from ya’ just a wee bit of advice letter no name!” She says waving she then falls out of the moving chart, and before the curtains return to their original position I see her run away darting away from other people.

I laid back against the wooden cart, what an interesting and mysterious person. Why would she trust me enough to want to help me? What was her actual goal? If she led a group of kids, why was she outside the city? How many kids are in this organization? My head was buzzing with questions all which were never going to get answered.

I had no plan of going searching for that woman, nor would I have any reason to. I would replace out where I am and then I would get going so I could go replace Quarry, yes that is what my goal has been from the start and nothing will change that.