No, I do not own the Shadow Children series. Trust me, you would know if I did. He-he.
Chapter Seven
Emeary had never seen anything so grand, so intimidating, so big. A very large and tall pure white building stood before her. The lack of windows gave it a very ominous look and slightly superior to the surroundings of forest.
"Wow..." she breathed.
Matthias grinned at her reaction. She loved seeing her in this awe. "Three of the greatest people I know are inside."
"Are you going to show me to them?" Emeary asked, suddenly nervous. What fate awaited her inside this odd structure?
"Well, I have to get their approval about you before we can accept you as a fellow resister. No offense, but we can't trust just anyone," he said with an apologetic shrug.
Emeary nodded. "I understand," she said formally though she was slightly hurt.
The two made their way through the underbrush until they came across rows and rows of corn, tomatoes, and other crops. "It's food," Emeary stated obviously.
Matthias nodded. "Yeah, Mr. Hendricks keeps a garden to survive."
"Oh."
At last they reached a small building in the back. Matthias knocked loudly one, softly three times, and then loudly twice again. "Beware the shadows!" he shouted. Emeary guessed it was some sort of password ritual.
The door slowly swung open to reveal a man in a wheel chair. Emeary was taken back. She didn't expect one of the three greatest people to be disabled.
"Hello, Matthias," the man said pleasantly. "Who's your friend?" He cast a suspicious eye to Emeary.
"This is Emeary. I met her in the woods. She wants to help third children. She seemed safe." Emeary noticed that Matthias suddenly seemed ashamed of her. Like he shouldn't have brought her here. Like she didn't deserve to be here.
Emeary didn't like it.
"Mister..."
"Hendricks."
"Mr. Hendricks. I offer my services to the resistance of the government. I only wish to help third children. I mean no harm, and I'm not asking you to give me tons of information. I just want to help," Emeary said as confident as possible. She thought is sounded good.
Matthias hid a smile. A small ghost of pride lightened his heart.
Mr. Hendricks seemed to be thinking. He suddenly made a hand gesture for them to follow him inside. The two complied.
Emeary briefly noted the coziness of the entire house, but the majority of his attention was focused on the two men in the corner. They looked tired, worn. But triumphant. Odd.
Matthias sat down on a plushy couch, and Emeary followed suit.
Mr. Hendricks, at last, moved to face them.
"Emeary, I believe I have a job for you."