Abandon: Chapter 15
The Abernathy Trilogy
Abernathy, Abandon, America
by Kristen
Abandon
Chapter 15
Justin
At the first cock crow, I set out across the heath at a gallop, long before William has woken. I have one task to accomplish without him, and if he knew of my intentions...he would probably try to stop me.
When the village of Warbidge is in my sights, I dismount, finding a tree to tie up the horse. I'll go the rest of the way on foot, not daring to alert anyone to my presence. It is Sunday, and the village is sleeping late, but I shall not take any more chances here.
Not a soul is in sight as I creep through the main square of the village. As I'd hoped, the front room of Stryver's shop is equally as dim and deserted. The front door is held with a crude warded lock, of the same type that exists on the barn at our farm.
I pull from my pocket the tiny metal pick that Brian gave me last winter. I'd confessed to him that my time at Abernathy had given me a fear of being locked into rooms or dark places. The next day he came home, gave me this tool, and taught me how to pick locks. I'd never guessed I'd be using it like this.
I drive the tool into the simple lock and wiggle it past the wards. Gently twisting the pick until it lifts the locking lever, I hear a satisfying click, and the bolt shoots easily. I quietly steal inside, not wasting any time. I know exactly what I came for.
It's strange to be back in this place. Almost two years ago, I sat on that very chair in the corner, listening as Brian told Stryver that he trusted me. Not exactly in those words, but I knew his meaning. I couldn't then imagine why he would trust me, but now I understand that he just as desperately wanted me to trust him. And I couldn't...yet.
Shaking the memory from my thoughts, I pick up the chair and place it against the back wall behind the counter. I stand upon it, reaching up for the black doglock pistol mounted on the wall. Happily, it is already loaded and packed.
I sneak out of the shop, back to where my horse is hidden. Opening the saddlebag, I find myself stalling with the pistol in my hands. I take a breath, fingering the long, polished barrel. I don't want it to come to this...I don't want to hurt anyone. But I will do whatever it takes.
And if I fail...if I lose him...I'll have another use for this gun when it's over.
Once at the house again, I wake William and we begin to go about our preparations. Everything portable that is of value in the house is to be taken; we shan't be coming back here. I assign myself Brian's room, and immediately go to the small wooden chest he keeps under the bed. In it are all the jewels that had belonged to his mother. He never speaks of her; I think she died while he was still an infant. But these jewels may aid us in the future.
Also in the chest is a small gold pocket watch that belonged to Brian's father. I know he would be loath to lose it, and I include it in my small pouch. Along with these, William brings out a few silver pieces and all of Brian's money. From the barn, I bid him fetch several lengths of rope and a knife.
I pack everything into the saddlebags, dividing it between our two horses, lest we be separated. For a moment, I think about bringing extra clothes, but we can't afford the weight. Quickly, I grab what else I can--a few flasks of water, some blankets, and two loaves of bread--and carry them outside.
"This is everything, then?" I ask.
"Aye, that I can see," says William. "Have you nothing of your own to take?"
I ponder for a moment. There is nothing material in the house that I need. My drawings, maybe...but there will be plenty of time to make more of those. After Brian is safe.
We set out along the eastern road towards Hereford, the sun still a mere suggestion in the dark sky. By my count, we should arrive in town just as the first bells are tolled for the Sunday service. And if God is on our side, the good townsfolk will be naively sequestered in church for several hours afterwards.
Abernathy, Abandon, America
by Kristen
Abandon
Chapter 15
Justin
At the first cock crow, I set out across the heath at a gallop, long before William has woken. I have one task to accomplish without him, and if he knew of my intentions...he would probably try to stop me.
When the village of Warbidge is in my sights, I dismount, finding a tree to tie up the horse. I'll go the rest of the way on foot, not daring to alert anyone to my presence. It is Sunday, and the village is sleeping late, but I shall not take any more chances here.
Not a soul is in sight as I creep through the main square of the village. As I'd hoped, the front room of Stryver's shop is equally as dim and deserted. The front door is held with a crude warded lock, of the same type that exists on the barn at our farm.
I pull from my pocket the tiny metal pick that Brian gave me last winter. I'd confessed to him that my time at Abernathy had given me a fear of being locked into rooms or dark places. The next day he came home, gave me this tool, and taught me how to pick locks. I'd never guessed I'd be using it like this.
I drive the tool into the simple lock and wiggle it past the wards. Gently twisting the pick until it lifts the locking lever, I hear a satisfying click, and the bolt shoots easily. I quietly steal inside, not wasting any time. I know exactly what I came for.
It's strange to be back in this place. Almost two years ago, I sat on that very chair in the corner, listening as Brian told Stryver that he trusted me. Not exactly in those words, but I knew his meaning. I couldn't then imagine why he would trust me, but now I understand that he just as desperately wanted me to trust him. And I couldn't...yet.
Shaking the memory from my thoughts, I pick up the chair and place it against the back wall behind the counter. I stand upon it, reaching up for the black doglock pistol mounted on the wall. Happily, it is already loaded and packed.
I sneak out of the shop, back to where my horse is hidden. Opening the saddlebag, I find myself stalling with the pistol in my hands. I take a breath, fingering the long, polished barrel. I don't want it to come to this...I don't want to hurt anyone. But I will do whatever it takes.
And if I fail...if I lose him...I'll have another use for this gun when it's over.
Once at the house again, I wake William and we begin to go about our preparations. Everything portable that is of value in the house is to be taken; we shan't be coming back here. I assign myself Brian's room, and immediately go to the small wooden chest he keeps under the bed. In it are all the jewels that had belonged to his mother. He never speaks of her; I think she died while he was still an infant. But these jewels may aid us in the future.
Also in the chest is a small gold pocket watch that belonged to Brian's father. I know he would be loath to lose it, and I include it in my small pouch. Along with these, William brings out a few silver pieces and all of Brian's money. From the barn, I bid him fetch several lengths of rope and a knife.
I pack everything into the saddlebags, dividing it between our two horses, lest we be separated. For a moment, I think about bringing extra clothes, but we can't afford the weight. Quickly, I grab what else I can--a few flasks of water, some blankets, and two loaves of bread--and carry them outside.
"This is everything, then?" I ask.
"Aye, that I can see," says William. "Have you nothing of your own to take?"
I ponder for a moment. There is nothing material in the house that I need. My drawings, maybe...but there will be plenty of time to make more of those. After Brian is safe.
We set out along the eastern road towards Hereford, the sun still a mere suggestion in the dark sky. By my count, we should arrive in town just as the first bells are tolled for the Sunday service. And if God is on our side, the good townsfolk will be naively sequestered in church for several hours afterwards.