The Wheel: A Young Adult Dystopian Novel (Nightfall Book 1) by Cynthia Hickey (new books to read .TXT) 📕

“Medical?” I still had to check.

“Right here.” Kira slapped the top of a box. “More than we had before.”

Jenkins must think we’d need the supplies. That thought didn’t calm my nerves at all.

“They’re having a feast tonight to see us off,” Dante said. “I get one more night with my girl.”

“I’ve seen you with a pretty brunette.” I smiled, praying he’d see her again after tomorrow. I also prayed we’d find the underground bunker of weapons quickly and be able to return. I didn’t relish another month or more in the city.

“Here’s the map I’ve drawn up.” Ezra laid a large smooth plank on top of one of the crates. “I used charcoal to draw Xs where I think a bunker could be. I don’t think it’ll be in the center city, but on the outskirts.” He glanced at me. “Which makes us more visible to any choppers flying overhead.”

“Unless we see a drop, we travel at night.” I studied the map. Three possible places, all miles apart from each other. The base might not have been at any of them.

“Everything ready?” Jenkins approached.

“Looks that way.” I turned to greet him.

“Bring back anyone willing to come with you,” he said. “Get rid of the others.”

“I won’t kill anyone just because they don’t want to come to Rebel City.” I crossed my arms. “But, I will make sure we can trust them before revealing this place.”

“Things would be easier, Crynn, if you followed orders as easily as the others.” His lips twitched.

Fawke laughed. “I guarantee, you’ll never meet anyone more stubborn than this woman.”

“I’ve figured that out.”

“They also won’t be forced to fight for their life in order to stay.” I would not be dissuaded. “If they stick with us long enough to get here, they’ll have earned the right.” I might be overstepping my boundaries, but fighting to prove your worth was barbaric.

“Relax. I’m not going to argue with you.” Jenkins grinned. “See you all at the feast.” He continued down the path.

“You’re as bossy with him as you were with Sharon,” Dante said. “Both very dangerous people to cross.”

I shrugged. “I won’t be forced into doing something wrong.” Satisfied my group had everything under control, I headed back to the house I shared with the other women.

“We’ll go with you,” Riva said. “All you have to do is ask.”

“I appreciate that, but the group needs to be small. The risks are too great.” I started packing my few possessions.

“But, you intend on growing your group out there.”

“Yes, another reason to start off small. We have to keep from being seen if at all possible.” I zipped up my pack. “Enjoy the safety of this place. Your time to fight will come again.” And the fight will be more important than any other. We’d be fighting for our future.

As the sky darkened, a large fire was built in the community center. A deer roasted on a pit, filling the air with an aroma so wonderful, my stomach growled. Platters of vegetables and bread made from nuts sat on a wooden table. Every person a part of the community gathered around, smiles gracing their faces.

Jenkins stepped on a sawed-off stump. “People of Rebel City, history is about to be made. This group of warriors will set out in the morning to find the weapons we need to fight Soriah. This is a battle we will win by the grace of the Supreme Being. Keep Crynn and her group in your nightly prayers for their safe return, not only with the weapons, but with additional fighters.”

He handed me a metal box. “Three flare guns. We will come if called, but use them sparingly. They’re all we have.”

“Thank you.” We wouldn’t be as alone out there as I’d thought. Help would come.

Cheers rose around us as everyone raised their cup of water in a toast.

“Let’s feast!” Jenkins cut the first slice of venison and handed it to me. “Come back safely, Little Girl. This community needs you and your group.”

I stood as vegetables and bread joined the meat on my plate. Being waited on, hailed, made me uncomfortable. I preferred staying in the background. How my life had changed with the spin of a giant wheel.

After a few restless hours of sleep, I woke and stepped outside. We’d leave in the middle of the night, stopping to camp in the morning before leaving the safety of the trees.

Fawke sat in front of his house. “Couldn’t sleep?”

He shook his head. “Knowing we’re headed back out there kept my mind spinning.”

“My stomach churned.” I sat next to him. “I was foolish thinking I’d never have to leave this place.”

He entwined his fingers with mine. “Someday we won’t have to.”

Unfortunately, today was not that day. I took a deep breath through my nose and exhaled slowly. “Partners, remember? No assignments or leaders.”

“I doubt you’ll get the others to stop looking at you as their leader.” His gaze searched my face. “But, I agree to be your partner. To make decisions with you.”

“Then, lets get the others.” I headed to the house and woke Gage and Kira. “Ready?”

“No,” they said in unison, getting out of bed.

“I could never be ready for this,” Gage said.

“Me either.” Kira hefted her pack on her shoulder.

We joined the men next to the wagons and put our packs on the ones with supplies. With serious expressions, we sheathed our swords, picked up our guns, and headed out, the wheels of the wagons less noisy on the dead leaves of the forest then they were on the potted streets of the city.

No one spoke. Anxiety hung like a cloud over us. A black bird squawked. I jumped, feeling a lot like I