Chapter 49 - Mobilization

At the same time, Gwen was growing impatient seeing that no one was returning to the village.

_ Gwen: “ This is not normal, it’s 5:00 PM; they should usually be back by now. ”

A chin rests on a hand.

_ Ay: " Indeed, considering past explorations, we now have to arrive before sunset for safety. "

_ Gwen: " I'm going out to scout. "

_ Ay: " I'll go with you. “

_ Gwen : " Alright. "

_ Ay : " That said, it's going to take us a long time, just the two of us. "

_ ??? : " Let us help you! "

Rising from the darkness like kindly ghosts, the villagers surround the young women, creating a protective bulwark.

_ Villager 1: " We heard your discussion and we are also worried about the children. "

_ Villager 2: “ Given the past events, it is difficult to be tranquil. “

Satisfied with the display of solidarity, Ay shares a complicit glance with Gwen, nodding her assent, ready to welcome this kind help.

_ Villager 3: " If the leader is among them, it's reassuring. "

_ Ay: " Except we have no confirmation. "

Time flows in slow motion, beneath a sky hesitant between light and shadow. With every second counting, a directive is immediately triggered.

_ Ay: " I will search around the village with the villagers. We'll form several groups to sweep a specific perimeter. Gwen, take the horse with you and explore a bit further. With a little luck, they are nearby. "

_ Gwen: " Okay. "

Pumped up, each villager takes their position.

_ Villager: “ Did you hear that? Form groups and prepare! “

Thirty minutes later, the groups in question meet again within the village itself, holding a debriefing.

_ Gwen: " So, you have some information? " she said, already sensing the answer.

_ Ay: " Unfortunately not, no clues. I imagine it's the same on your end? "

A simple nod was enough to awaken a dark intuition in Ay. She felt the shadow of suspicion spreading over the day, promising a long and tormented night.

_ Ay: " Since that's the way it is, we are going to explore the entire South Zone. I'm going to ride a horse with you. "

_ Villager 1: " Are you sure the two of you will be okay? "

_ Villager 2: " It's better with more people. "

_ Ay: " We don't have a choice, there's only one horse available. Besides, thanks to you, we know we have to expand our search further. "

The horse, sensing the imminent departure, strains its neck toward the horizon. The young women exchange one last knowing look before adjusting the reins, united by the journey that awaits them.

_ Ay: " Keren will be in charge of the village's security during our absence. We will be back soon. "

_ Villager 1: " Good luck! "

_ Villager 2: " Be careful! "

The village rapidly recedes, swallowed by the growing shadows. Only the steady rhythm of the horse and the whisper of the wind bear witness to their progress, beneath the sun plunging into the horizon. Through the rustling of the trees and the clatter of iron on the ground, creating a soft and melancholic tune, a new sound is emitted.

_ Gwen: " I didn't know you were a good leader. "

_ Ay: " I'd like to remind you that I was the chief of my tribe before I came to stay with you. "

_ Gwen: " That's true. But it's not a simple task. "

_ Ay: " We agree. A people needs a trustworthy person to be accepted and followed. Without that bond of trust, it is impossible to establish a solid connection. My tribe taught me their code, and I adapt it in my own way. "

_ Gwen: " ... "

_ Ay: " Anyway, let's find them, and fast. "

_ Gwen: " Yes. "

It's 8 pm, time for dinner.

A huge cafeteria, complete with a self-service system, is exclusively planned for the bourgeoisie. The poor, however, are destined for reduced rations and must, in addition, eat directly in their residences. Indeed, a rule dictates that the two social classes must not mingle. We are no exception to the rule.

That being said, since Shailly, Kaya, and Son are still at the clinic, we have permission to eat directly with them. As Shailly is unable to move, we therefore decide to all gather in her room, our meals in hand.

_ Son: " I think it's outrageous that they separate the poor from the bourgeoisie! "

_ Maïko: " For once, I agree with you! "

_ Ayden: " That's just the way it is, there's nothing we can do about it. "

A few bites in, a voice disturbs the melody of the silverware.

_ Son: " I don't know how you feel, but I'm happy with our new situation. We have shelter, we have good, albeit limited, food, we're being looked after, and despite the strict rules, we have some freedom. "

_ Hazel : “ You're not wrong. We are safe here. ”

_ Son : “ I can't wait to go out tomorrow and see the village for myself! ”

A wicked smile appears.

_ Kona: " So, a piece of advice: don't date Maïko. "

_ Maïko: " Are you not going to start again?? "

In this peaceful yet enigmatic atmosphere, Son raises an eyebrow.

_ Son: " What? But why? "

_ Maïko: " Relax, that chick is just paranoid. "

_ Kona: " Sure, sure… " she said, trying to avoid a future argument.

In this friendly warmth, the meal finished, we head to bed, filled with a gentle serenity. Under the veiled twilight sky, as the first shadows lengthen in the forest, the horsewomen interrupt their frantic gallop.

_ Ay: " We'll stop here for tonight. It's really starting to get dark. Anyway, even the horse is starting to tire out. "

_ Gwen: " Okay. "

Having dismounted her horse, the doctor immediately fell flat on her back.

_ Ay : " Ughh, it's frustrating that the full moon period is over, we could have continued to see thanks to its light. "

_ Gwen : " What bothers me most is that we still have no leads. "

_ Ay : “ Yes. We just swept a good part of the Zone but there's no trace of the children. “

_ Gwen : “ We are going to camp. “

The whisper of the foliage is interspersed with a sigh, light yet nonetheless laden with an infinite melancholy.

_ Ay: " It had to happen. I'm too lazy to sleep outside. "

_ Gwen: " Turning back is out of the question; we would lose too much time. "

_ Ay: " I don't disagree.. I just thought I was done with these nights in the open air. These are tough conditions, especially when degenerates can attack you at any moment. I went through enough of that when I was younger. "

_ Gwen: " You're going to have to get used to it. "

_ Ay: " Unfortunately. " she said, setting up her tent with disgust.