Chapter 21
In the small hours, Bear sized up his escape hole, certain his frame would fit. He scraped away a little more of the beaten stonework to be on the safe side, as he couldn’t afford to get stuck.
Each dig used to be filled with motivation and often excitement, but Oxley wasn’t around now, and every slide of the broken spoon added another layer to the thick lump in Bear’s throat.
For you, brother. I’ll get them out. This won’t be for nothing.
It was as though Oxley had come to sit at his side, as a gentle breeze blew back his hair with the purr of the bay transforming into Oxley’s familiar laugh.
It was strange to sense the presence of someone, and Bear took a moment to sit with his friend just in case somehow Oxley had managed such magick.
‘Don’t stop on my account,’ he could hear Oxley mock. ‘Put some muscle into it.’
Bear wiped away grit, then placed himself over the hole, swinging his legs down first. It was exhilarating and intimidating all at once, but with the chance Oxley was watching, it made the journey downwards a little less daunting.
With more room than he thought, he slipped through, noting he would be able to pull himself back up later, but for now, he needed to search the cove, as it was bigger than expected.
Two small archways veered off in different directions, and the water from the bay barely lined the ground on which he stood.
Looking to the left tunnel first, he strained his ears for any voices or noises, but all that was heard was the gentle lapping of water against rocks.
The same for the tunnel on the right. Whichever way he chose, it seemed he was close to the edge of the island.
He hoped it didn’t face the front, as that part was covered the most by the beacon.
A light breeze whistled through the left tunnel, so Bear took that as a sign to follow the air.
Slipping off his footwear and rolling up his pyjama bottoms in case the water deepened, he slowly made his way along the dark walkway, feeling the solidness of the rock with his hand as the ground slanted downwards.
The hiss of the bay grew louder and the scent of brine stronger, then the glow of moonlight flickered over the wall, sneaking in between stacked boulders.
Bear tried to count them, but there were too many, but he could see the opening at the top, and whether the rocks had been purposely placed or had fallen, it didn’t matter, because he knew he could lift one at a time to create another hole.
Testing the mound with his bare foot first, then pressing his palm into each boulder, he began the climb to where the light twinkled.
If he had his bearings correct, he should be facing land, not that he would see the mainland in such darkness.
He would somehow need to be down there during daylight to get an idea, but that would be tricky.
The top boulder was loosely resting upon two others, so that one was easy to shift, but Bear didn’t want to toss it or replace it on the pile, so he carefully took it with him to the bottom and made another step with it there.
Up and down he went for a while until he’d made a hole big enough to crawl through, which meant both Raven and Wynter would easily fit as well.
Spits of salty water met his dry lips, and the taste couldn’t be any more inviting, nor the whoosh of fresh air cooling his cheeks that had him inhale deeply, appreciating freedom.
Tonight is a good night. His silent words were for Oxley, just in case.
It had been a long, tedious quest, but with so much precious to him at stake, it had been worth all the stress of getting caught and lack of sleep.
With the escape route complete, Bear covered the hole a little, not knowing if it would be spotted come morning from the outside, then made his way back to his cell, the smile firm in his heart from the warmth of Oxley’s company.
Raven whispered as soon as Bear slipped into bed. ‘Can’t sleep.’
Bear laced his fingers through the bars to touch Raven’s. ‘Think of the light. It’s there.’ And as Rav’s fingers lightly pressed on his, he knew his friend had received the message loud and clear. They had a way out.
As soon as the wake-up alarm went off, Bear checked that the bottom of his trainers were dry.
People washed their footwear in the sink from time to time, so it wouldn’t be too much of a problem if he left some damp footprints, but then he’d be made to waste time drying the floor, and he wanted to stick to his routine and act as normal as possible so no eyes were on him at all.
It had been hard enough getting some sleep, as the excitement of escaping coursed through him, leaving Scarlen behind, not so much, especially with her entering the Zone twice. He was sure it was her father’s doing. It just didn’t make sense why the general would be so cruel to his daughter.
All throughout his morning shower, Bear pondered over taking Scarlen with him, as it hurt to think of not seeing her again. It had started to fascinate him how drawn he was to her, and sometimes it felt like a twisted joke to link him to such a person.
Over and over, it rattled him. Could there be a place for them after all?
What if he made it happen? Took her away with him and had the general forever hunt him down.
In some part, the thought made him smile, but what life would it be for Scarlen?
If only he could speak to her about her secret.
Maybe then real plans could be made instead of dreams. He could ask if she was happy at home.
Perhaps he could ask that anyway, but she would need to reply as herself not, Scarlen Smithson.
‘You’re quiet today,’ said Raven as they sat down for breakfast.
‘Just got a lot on my mind.’
Varklee came over, stamping one foot up onto the chair by Bear’s side. ‘What’s the story in House Rebel?’
Bear and Raven shared a look.
‘Don’t know what you mean,’ replied Raven, scooping some porridge into his mouth.
Varklee huffed dramatically as he sat, his spoon aloft. ‘I’ve got me some plans for Judd. Just waiting to hear your own.’ He waggled his spoon. ‘Don’t want to step on anyone’s paw paws, if you catch my drift.’
Bear had always known how he was going to get his family out of the escape hole in his cell, and the time was close, so he shared his idea as though it had recently come to mind. ‘Fuck Judd,’ he whispered. ‘We’re going to burn this whole fucking shithole to the ground.’
‘Now that’s my kind of language.’ Varklee lightly clapped his spoon into his palm. ‘When might this little festivity take place?’
‘Soon,’ said Bear, checking no one was listening. ‘I need a few more days to get my head in the game.’ He tapped his temple, acting as if he were still in need of sedation, which he knew Varklee would fully understand.
‘I’ll start spreading the word among the Flames. We’ll be ready.’ Varklee sniffed, twisting his nose to one side. ‘You want me to leave Judd for you?’
Tempting, but Bear would have too much to focus on during the riot to add in a bloody death, and that was exactly what it would be if he got his hands on the man who killed Ox. ‘I’ll think about it.’
Varklee bobbed his head as he stood. ‘I’ve got your back if you need me.’ He stroked his spoon over Bear’s shoulder before heading off to sit with his gang, two of the younger members jumping up to make space while another brought over Varklee’s breakfast.
Raven glanced at the table filled with Pirates. ‘They’ve been too quiet since …’ He couldn’t finish the sentence, and Bear knew it hurt to mention Oxley’s name. ‘Bet they’re plotting.’
Bear met Judd’s stare, and the Pirate looked away. ‘They know we’re coming for them.’
‘Are we?’
‘I want to, but …’ Bear twiddled with a slice of toast. ‘We need to stay focused.’
‘V won’t stay calm much longer.’
‘I know, but I need to see what I can spot in daylight first. One step at a time.’
Raven continued to eat. ‘It’s always busy during mat time and clean-up. Might be your best time.’
‘Do you think they’ll have mat time today? The screws can feel the tension growing as much as us.’
‘I heard Temple was still taking wagers, so I guess so. They probably won’t let us spar, or any Flames or Pirates.’
Bear hoped Scarlen wouldn’t have to fight either.
‘We’ve got the silent system first,’ added Raven, a slight look of displeasure.
The silent system flew by for once, and Raven was the first out the door, his task to check on who was going to be sparring.
Mr Lackly looked at his clipboard. ‘Just the ones that don’t cause trouble.’
Raven subtly waved Temple his way when he entered. ‘See if you can get some blood on the mats. Need more going to clean-up early as a distraction.’
Temple held out his palm, and Raven slipped him some money.
‘All good?’ asked Bear, approaching.
Raven gave a brief nod. ‘We’re not sparring, but we’ll help with clean-up.’
Bear knew what that meant. Now he just needed those sparring to bleed so they’d be some back and forth, and seeing how there were more guards on duty than normal, the corridor to the cells should be empty.
Scarlen was by a mat, looking smaller than usual. Frail. But maybe that was his way of seeing her now he had major concerns about leaving her behind, or it was how most looked thanks to Horstal.
She turned and smiled, warming him completely, which wasn’t the distraction he needed, but still, no one was bleeding yet, so he went over to her, reaching for her hand immediately.
‘Smithson.’
She gave his fingers a gentle squeeze. ‘Vyer.’
It was all he could do to stop himself from tasting her. ‘You got a match?’
‘Dionne asked. Goolan said I’m not to spar today.’
He tugged her closer, eyes not leaving her dreamy gaze. What was she thinking about? That little house in the meadow again? ‘Good,’ was all he said.
‘You?’ she asked, looking up as he pulled her even closer.
‘No. They don’t want any trouble.’
A quirk hit her lips. ‘Well, you do look like trouble.’
He lowered his face to hers. ‘So do you.’
‘Vyer,’ called Mr Lackly. ‘Amber side, now.’
Bear walked away, pleased to see someone bleeding.
Raven approached with a grin. ‘A few more like that, then we can go.’ And as he finished his sentence, Temple herded another three bloodied people to the door.
Lackly grimaced at the dripping blood and torn top of the first lad to pass him by at the door. ‘Anything broken, go straight to the healer, else go wash up.’ He pointed at another lad and ordered him to clean the floor.
Bear and Raven took the opportunity to slip outside while there was a small group in the doorway.
With no guards outside, they made it to Bear’s cell without interruption, and Bear was quick to slip into his escape hole while Raven kept watch.
It was the quickest Bear had travelled through the route, but time wasn’t on his side, and he needed to see what was outside the cove.
Moving the top boulder from the pile to peer out the small hole, relief flooded him as he spotted land he knew was facing the side of the island.
Now all he had to do was flash the magickal mirror he had purchased from Temple in that direction using the moonlight come nightfall and hope Elbar was somewhere her magick would see the glint.
A roll of water splashed his face as he was about to put the rock back in place, causing him to stumble.
The tumble to the bottom had scraped his arm, and now his hair and top were wet, but at least he was in one piece.
‘What are you doing in there?’ a guard asked Raven as he entered the cell block.
‘Had to change, sir,’ came Raven’s rehearsed reply. ‘Lot of lads got blood everywhere.’
The guard wrinkled his nose as he stepped closer. ‘Yeah, I saw that. Doesn’t explain why you’re in Vyer’s cell.’
‘Oh, he had to change as well. We’ll be right out.’
‘You can get out now.’ The guard marched to the cell, pushing Raven out the way.
‘Problem, sir?’ asked Bear, wiping a hand towel over his hair.
The guard scanned the small area. ‘Get back to the gymnasium.’
‘Yes, sir.’ And with that, Bear motioned for Raven to follow.
‘Wait a minute,’ said the guard, still at Bear’s cell.
Turning with his heart in his throat, Bear widened his eyes in question.
‘You two can take some more towels down to the shower chambers. Come with me.’
Bear and Raven shared a relieved look as they calmly left the cell block.
Raven rubbed his chest as they followed the guard, a smile sneaking onto his face as he silently chuckled.
Bear felt the need to hold his own heart as well but walked with his arms to his sides as his sporadic beats fell back into rhythm.
His thoughts quickly turned to Scarlen once more as he passed the gymnasium, and he decided he would speak to her tomorrow at family time, certain he could trust her with his plan.