“You can’t take them away!”
“I can do whatever I please,” replied the mayor smoothly. The smallest smirk forming at her lips.
“But if they go to war, who will support my family? We will starve! My brothers are the only glue holding this family together. Please don’t take them. Please.”
“Amari LaToya, listen!” Said the mayor firmly, “No one has volunteered for war in years. My people cannot lose to the south, we need more soldiers. You know the rules, anyone unemployed at age 18 will be drafted to war.”
“Why are you using my people to fight your war?!”
“Because,” the mayor responded as if it were obvious. “The people of Aramore are worth far less than my people.”
Amari knew this retort was coming. It always did. All her life she had been taught that the more money one had the more superior they were. Still the mayor’s cold words sent shivers down her spine. She sighed knowing she was defeated, but she could feel the hatred coursing through her, threatening to explode.
Amari turned on her heel to leave the giant palace, guilt filling up inside her for not being able to save her brothers, but just as she reached the double doors a hand tapped her on the shoulder. Confused, Amari spun around only to find the Mayor's son staring at her.
What is he doing here?
“Hey, I’m sorry about your brothers,” He murmured.
“Excuse me?” I replied
“I, um, heard about your brothers,” He repeated. “I’m sorry.”
“Your sorry?” she snapped
Any self control she had was lost.
“Sure you are! You live in a palace and have never worked a day in your life. I bet you don’t even care that hundreds of people that need to support their families are being sent to fight a war that will only benefit you!” She paused, “If you are truly sorry then maybe you should consider joining the army!”
Amari stared at the mayor’s son, who seemed to be at a loss of words. She waited one more second before moving towards the door.
“Wait,” He called out after her. “Meet me tonight in the palace courtyard after dark!”
Too bad Amari Latoya was already walking away.
It wasn’t until Amari reached the familiar scent of pine trees, that she felt like she could breathe again. Now she walked on the dusty roads of Aramore that frankly, you could hardly call roads because of the condition they were in. The run-down homes scattered down the side of the street, hardly big enough to be livable. My thoughts were interrupted when I remembered him say meet him after dark? She thought, I don’t even want to go near him! I don’t even remember his name, something with an L… Luke?... Logan?.... Liam? Amari’s mind was racing with such curiosity and confusion, that she didn’t realize she was back at home until she heard her brothers familiar voices echoing from the small kitchen. She swung open the front door and continued walking towards her shared room, ignoring her siblings greetings. A wave of exhaustion and stress washing over her, she settled into her bed, not caring that she would miss dinner.
Liam Johnson sat on the cold, damp bench of the extravagant gardens. The chilled air coming into his lungs causing him to shiver. Nonetheless, he remained patiently seated.
It had been nearly an hour of waiting and not a soul had passed through courtyard. Recognizing that the girl from earlier today would not be coming, Liam rose, and sauntered away from the bench. Pattering noises from his steps on the intricate stone below his feet was the only sound he could hear. Just as he was turning a corner Bam!
Taken aback, Liam peered into the darkness to try and make out the figure of the person he had just run into.
“You came!” He said excitedly
Amari’s stomach churned with every passing second. Her wording repeated over and over in her mind, but she couldn’t help to think about everything that could go wrong. She still didn’t fully trust Liam, but it was the best shot she had at getting her brothers back.
“Who goes there,” a guard yelled out while pointing a flashlight.
“Hide in that bush until I give you a cue, and some instructions,” Liam whispered quietly.
Amari desperately wanted her brothers, so she jumped into the bush.
She sat outside the palace doors in the bush while she waited for Liam’s cue. There were guards at all the doors and security cameras everywhere so one slip and things could go terribly wrong. Seeing that Liam was drawn the guards away from the main doors Amari took a deep breathe in and advanced towards the doors. Knowing the guards would be back soon, Amari silently snuck inside the palace and crept up the backstairs just like Liam had instructed, with each step making her heart beat faster and faster. Just as Amari rounded the final corner.
“Footsteps. I hear footsteps.” Scrambling to find a place to hide she scanned her surroundings. The stairs opened up to a sort of grand foyer. There was a long hallway straight ahead where the footsteps were coming from. Without any other options, Amari opened a door to her left and ducked into it. The sight made her breathe catch. An open room with a grand piano, marble floors and silk curtains lay before Amari. But that was not what Amari was looking at. Two sliding glass doors revealed a stunning view of the town below, and beyond that the meadows and hills. The room smelled like fresh lavender, sweet and calm. Amari moved closer to the window, but stopped dead in her tracks when she heard a low whisper.
“Amari?”
“Amari Where are you?” Liam called
Amari broke out of her trance and regained her senses. She glided back to the door and exited the room.
“What were you doing in there?” Liam accused
“I’m sorry, I got distracted,” Amari answered, sounding ashamed.
Liam’s face softened, any trace of anger was gone, “It’s alright, let’s get going.”
Liam led Amari down several corridors, too many for Amari to keep track of. Barely avoiding discovery, Liam stopped at a grandly decorated door. Mayor Johnson’s office.
“Are you sure he isn’t in there?” Amari said
“Positive. She’s having brunch with the Ashbury’s, it should take her at least two hours,” Liam murmured.
Amari looked surprised because she had no idea that it was morning already.
Liam slipped his hand around Amari’s and gave her a gentle squeeze for assurance, before moving towards the door.
Amari breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the room was empty. But really she shouldn’t have. The room was filled with file cabinets, all bulging with documents. There was no way they were ever going to find her brother’s. But Liam was the hero, he sauntered straight ahead, and lifted a rock from the windowsill. He came out with a key, and silently moved the examine the many cabinets on the left side of the room.
“What’s your last name?” Liam questioned
His sudden breaking of the silence startling Amari.
“LaToya,” She responded, “Amari LaToya.”
Liam moved left to right scanning the alphabetically organized cabinets while mumbling, “L….L….L….L…”
“Aha! Found it!” He grinned proudly, “Come over here.”
Amari wandered over to Liam, while Liam worked on unlocking the cabinet. The drawer popped open and Liam and Amari began rifling through all of the folders.
“Lacey…..Lambton…..” Amari began listing names, “Langley….. Larsen……. ahhhhh LaToya!”
“Okay open up the the folder,” Liam instructed, “Now find your brothers names.”
“Okay, found them.”
“Alright see the document that contains their occupation?”
Amari shuffled through the papers. “Yes” She answered
“Okay, grab those sheets and let’s get out of here.” Liam organized the papers and picked up the mess they’d made, closed and relocked the cabinet, then silently moved to the door. Liam placed his left ear up to the door listening for movement, Amari not far behind him.
Together they snuck into the hall, exiting the office. They were just near the staircase, when Mayor Johnson turned the corner. Liam and Amari scrambled to hide but they had already been spotted.
“Liam!” shouted the stern voice. “What are you doing sneaking around! Your supposed to be at tennis lessons!”
Before Liam could respond, Mayor Johnson’s eyes moved to Amari.
“What are you doing here!?” The Mayor interrogated once she realized who Amari was.
Sneering, the mayor approached Amari and grabbed the paper from her hands.
Amari turned white as a ghost.
“What’s this?” Mayor Johnson asked, reading it over.
The mayor looked up from the paper. Staring straight into Amari’s eyes, and to Amari’s surprise, the mayor smirked.
“Nice try.” she teased.
“Mom, listen,” Liam started.
“No, YOU listen!” She boomed, “Your trying to help someone who’s worthless!” The mayor turned to Amari.
“Stay away from my son!” She shrieked. “And stay out of my palace!”
With that, the mayor motioned to her guards and walked away.
Amari flung herself onto her bed, feeling angry. Part of her was angry at the mayor for having the guards literally throw her out of the palace. But most of her anger was towards herself, for not being able to save her brothers, and getting Liam in trouble. Even though Amari didn’t want to admit it, Liam kept returning to her thoughts. And the more she thought about him, the more she seemed to care about him.
Liam too, was feeling defeated. Everything seemed to become back to normal. He had his mother running his life, and keeping him to his schedule. A few days had passed since Amari and him had been caught, and he longed for her to come by the palace.
Deciding that he would walk down to her village to try and find her, he changed out of his silk clothing, and into a worn down tee and jeans. Sneaking out through his back door, he set off on foot to find her.
Liam had nearly reached the east side of town, when he heard shouting. Curious, he followed the voices. Gathered in front of a chapel, was a decent sized crowd, all holding signs.
“What’s this about?” Liam wondered aloud.
A man around the age of fifty turned around to answer the question.
“Why we’re protesting against that filthy mayor! She took my girl away and put her to war! I’m surprised she hasn’t snatched you up as well!”
“You don’t say!” Chimed in another man, “You look about the right age.”
Liam gulped. It was only a matter of time before the crowd figured out who he was.
“Uh yeah, I haven’t been drafted yet.” Liam mumbled nervously.
“Have you got a job?” The man questioned further, becoming interested in Liam.
“Look I’ve got to go.” Liam stated. Liam turned around and started walking away, breathing heavily.
“Hey!” The man shouted loud enough for everyone to hear, “I asked you if you’ve got a job!” More people turned to face Liam. Liam stopped walking and turned to face the man.
“Wait a minute!” Someone screamed. “That’s the mayor’s son!” Suddenly the crowd became very quiet. All eyes were on Liam. Liam swallowed hard, trembling at the site of the angry mob.
“What are you all waiting for!” A voice rose above the crowd, “Get the boy!”
Liam tried to run, but strong hands and arms were latching onto him from all directions. Struggling against the people, Liam became exhausted and stopped fighting.
A shadow fell across Liam, and he looked up to see what was blocking the sun.
A woman with black hair and stood over Liam sobbing.
“You took my children from me,” She cried ferociously, “and they were killed in a war that YOU should have been fighting! And for that,” she declared darkly, “you will pay the price.”
It was send-off day for Amari’s two brothers. Amari walked silently alongside her family, feeling the tears welling up inside of her eyes. Trying to steady her breathing she looked up toward the sky. It was a beautiful day for mid-May, and the sun gleaming through the treetops, speckled Amari’s face with warmth. But even the sun couldn’t shine away Amari’s sorrow. They reached the Mayor’s palace, and three huge militia trucks were lined up along the road, ready to take the next round of people out to the front of the war. Amari reached for her brothers hand. She could feel her hand shaking, terrified by the thought of losing her much loved brothers. Thinking back to all the memories and experiences she’s shared with them.
The crowd started to build up, as more victims to conscription and they’re families began to show up.
Amari started to sway, feeling like her head was underwater. She was so overwhelmed she didn’t realize she was sobbing until her eldest brother, Jacob, wrapped her into a hug.
“Ladies, gentlemen, and families,” Amari snapped her head around searching for a face to go with the voice, “it is time for us to start loading the trucks.” Mayor Johnson approached carrying a microphone. “So say your goodbyes, and my staff and I will be loading the drafted into the back of the trucks.”
Hatred boiled inside Amari, she wanted to rip that plastered smile off of the mayor’s face.
Amari faced her brothers, “You can’t leave,” She told them in a low whisper, “Don’t get on those trucks!” She pleaded.
“Mar, we have too,” Jacob said using the special nickname he had given her from when they were younger. “You know what will happen if we don’t go.”
Amari did know, they would be executed.
“Amari, be strong.” insisted Mason, Amari’s youngest brother.
Amari threw her arms around her brothers; trying to hold onto the last hug she may get from them.
The mayor’s voice ascended once more, “The drafted must make their way to the trucks right now.” She demanded, without bothering to have any respect.
Amari’s brothers said their goodbyes to her parents. And she watched their backs as they made their way through the crowd, towards the mayor.
Mason and Jacob were crouching in the bed of a truck, surrounded by about thirty other people drafted for war. The air surrounding them was moist, and the hairs on their arms stood straight like soldiers. The truck rambled down the bumpy roads, sending Mason and Jacob catapulting around. The vegetation surrounding the road was thick, and there was no sign of settlement. Nobody in the truck had any idea which direction they were going. They sat in silence, listening only to the rumbling of the engine, and the eerie croaking of frogs. Then, a clearing came into view, and the truck came to an abrupt stop, sending the passengers flying forward. Not long after came the sounds of doors being opened, breaking the silence. A general walked around to the back of the truck.
“We have arrived.” He declared.
Mayor Johnson sat in her office at 10pm, rubbing her hand along her forehead. Liam was missing. Sirens rang out in the distance, signifying that the search party was on their way. Placing her head on the desk, the mayor started to weep. The mayor knew she was hard on Liam, but she did it out of affection. Recognizing that it would be a sleepless night, Mayor Johnson poured herself a cup of coffee.
As Mason and Jacob had discovered, there was only seven guards, and there were around ninety draftees. They were residing in a base camp, in the middle of the jungle, while they trained for war. Before all the draftees were allowed to go into the trenches, they had to complete three tests. This camp, would be were the training took place; but Liam and Mason planned on staying there as long as possible, to delay their time in the trenches.
Beep Beep Beep Beep Mason’s alarm clock rang out.
“Ughh” he groaned.
Mason had been warned that wake time was at 5:00 am, but he certainly was not prepared for it. Mason and Jacob had to keep to tight schedules. The morning started slow with breakfast at 6:00, but the brothers were forced to perk up when they were called outside for interactive training.
“Boys, this is a serious thing,” their instructor started, “one mistake and you’ll be sent back to base camp for punishment.” The instructor paused.
“Yes ma’am.” The group of trainees responded in unison.
“There will be several barriers for you to hide behind,” she instructed, “you must make your way throughout these barriers without being spotted by our high-quality training technology.”
She continued, “If you have been spotted, the sensors on your jacket will sound an alarm, and you will have failed. If you fail come back to me, I will be waiting with the truck. Any questions?”
“No ma’am.”
“Then get in the back of the truck so we can get to the training site.”
Liam, Mason, and the trainees did as they were told.
When they arrived at the site, there was scrap pieces of metal everywhere; Old tires, rusty fans, barbed wire fencing.
“All right gentlemen, you see those trucks? Those are your barriers. Make your way through the battlefield of metal, without getting hurt or seen. If you do fail the challenge, come back to this spot. If not, there is a finish line in the other side of the training site.” Everyone understand?”
“Yes Ma’am.”
“Great. Now, READY, SET GO!”
The others raced ahead towards the first truck, but Jacob and Mason knew better. The worse they did on the tests, the more they delayed the war.
They dodged the rusty pieces of metal, sharp enough to cut to the bone.
“Mason let’s get to the first barrier.” Jacob called back to his brother.
But before Mason could respond, a shrill scream rang out through the woods. Mason’s roommate, Eric, came back dripping in blood. He grimaced every step he took. There was a gash on his leg, most likely from the metal. Jacob watched as Eric limped back to the instructor. But no less than thirty seconds later, another trainee ran back starts the starting line, with a black-eye and scrapes on his face.
“Jacob?” Mason called out nervously.
“Alright let’s just get to the truck.” Jacob responded, his voice shaking.
They silently ran through the maze of trees, rocks, and metal, until they reached the first truck. Panting, Mason leaned up against the truck.
“AHHH”
“What is it!?”
“Look!” Screamed Mason, pointing to the truck window.
Jacob peered through the window.
“AH!” Jacob jumped back startled, “WHAT!?”
On the inside of the truck was a an outstretched palm, pounding on the window.
It was Liam Johnson.
“Liam what are you doing here!” Mason whispered.
“I’ve been locked inside this truck for two days!”
“How did you get here?”
“Well I was looking for Amari,” Liam admitted while blushing, “But as I was passing the chapel, I guess the people from the gathering knocked me out. When I regained consciousness, I was in a tunnel.”
Jacob and Mason turned to each other grinning.
“The tunnels!” They exclaimed in unison.
“I should have thought of that before!” Mason cried.
“We should be very close to an entrance…” Jacob thought out loud.
“Wait, what? What entrance? What tunnels? What are you talking about!?” Liam questioned.
Jacob and Mason turned towards Liam, having forgotten that he was there.
“Wait, Mason, we shouldn’t trust Liam.” We can’t take him with us.” Jacob turned to his brother.
“I know Jacob, but what about Amari?” Mason responded, remembering his sisters feelings towards Liam.
“Still, he’s a richie.” Jacob stated, “And he’s the mayor’s son. It’s his fault we’re here.”
“But we can’t leave him here! Not when he belongs at home with Amari.”
This hit Jacob in his soft spot.
“Fine. we’ll take him.” Jacob started, “There used to be an underground railroad.” Jacob explained to Liam. “But because of the transportation laws made ten years ago, it was abandoned.”
“Everyone from our town of Aramore still uses it as transportation to avoid being picked on, on the busy streets of the richies.” Mason added.
“The railroad stretches across the country.” Jacob finished.
Just as the three boys turned to look for the tunnel entrance, they heard another scream. Reminding them that they were not alone, and that they still faced the threat of being caught by the instructor. One more they made their way through the junkyard of a training site, but this time, they weren’t looking for the finish line. They were looking for the tunnel.
The mayor had called for a gathering in the palace courtyard as a mourning of Liam’s missing. Several of the richies were attending the mourning, and Amari felt very out of place. The mayor scowled when she saw Amari. So Amari sat down on the bench where Liam and her had first met. She listened to the chatter and hustle of the surrounding people. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes.
“Amari!” shouted an excited voice.
Amari looked up, three boys emerged from behind the flower bushes.
“Liam!” Amari tore herself from the seat and threw herself at Liam. Liam wrapped his arms tightly around her, but after a second Amari pulled back.
See moved her eyes to her brothers, who were grinning like mad. Amari couldn’t help but grin right back at them.
“Mom!” Liam called out.
Mayor Johnson turned around and gasped, “Son!” the mayor dropped her champagne, ran to Liam. She pulled him into a hug.
“I missed you so much.” She breathed.
After Liam, Jacob, and Mason explained what had happened the crowd dispersed.
“Hey.” Mayor johnson called out, touching jacob and Mason on the shoulder
“Thank you.” She said solemnly. “Thank you so much.”
“Your welcome.” Replied Jacob smiling.
“You know, I guess the people of Aramore are actually quite decent. I been thinking about the war, and I’ve decided to return some troops back to their families. I think I have found an alternative to the drafting.”
Liam turned to Amari and smiled.
“Everything is going to be better now.” He told her, “Better.”