Liberation: A Post-apocalyptic Novel (Remnants of Men Book 1) by Peter Okafor

Author:Peter Okafor [Okafor, Peter]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Typewriter Pub
Published: 2018-12-22T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Two

The Fellowship of Nine

No one wanted to risk their lives and go down the underground ruin that had been known as MegaCityTwo. It was not cowardice that stayed them, but the walls of the city still held horrible memories that were fresh in their hearts. Runner had not been there to witness the fall of a growing utopia. He was only a toddler then, but now, he must delve into a place that all men feared.

His bow was strapped at his back, just at the side of his backpack. Knives were readily sheathed around his belt, and his gas mask hung at one end. He tried to summon a smile, but his efforts were futile.

He was scared.

With little luck, he had made past several obstacles, but this time around, his heart was soaked in fear. He raised both hands and gazed at them; they were shaking. No luck in the world could save him from the perils beneath the ground he stood, not if he went alone. There was safety in numbers, but he had no one, not even Legion.

“Runner, are you okay?”

Runner nodded without as much as a glance at Legion. She put a hand on his shoulder and grasped his quivering fingers together.

“You know, you don’t have to do this. You can stay here with me. We can make something of this life here in this shelter. Look around you. There is peace, love, and life.”

“You don’t understand,” Runner said. “I have been on my own since I was seven, squatting with Troy and his mom. We watched her succumb to her wounds because there was no antibiotic for treatment, just like my aunt before her, and then it was us against a broken world. We stood by as many good people died because they lacked simple things like water, first aid, and medicine . . . so, this is not about my freedom or wanting to be a hero or finding water for the big city. I have a plan that would change the lives of every slum dweller, and that is why I must endure till the end.”

Legion smiled. “Turn around. I got something for you,” she said.

He turned around and saw some familiar faces. There were many gathered before him, and he was confused. He glanced at Legion.

“Volunteers from the Remnants of Men and a few from this shelter,” she said.

“How did you—” Runner paused and turned to Legion. “Thank you,” he whispered.

“All I did was draw them here, and they heard what you said. So, it was all you not me.” She smiled again.

A grin formed on Runner’s face even as he tried to hide it, but then his gaze settled upon someone unexpected.

“Dope!” Runner pushed through the small crowd.

“Look, man. No hard feelings, alright?” Dope took quick steps backwards.

Runner got to him and grabbed him by the neck of his grey jacket. He pushed Dope to stagger backwards, and as the boy recovered, Runner’s fist landed on his face. Dope fell on the floor, and a few boys gathered around Runner and held him still.

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