Trying to find Fenix, was like trying to a matching pair of socks after laundry day, impossible. Unlike the others he really didn't stay in one spot for exceptionally long and I was really starting to agree that we needed to get a warning system for him, not only so we know he's coming but also so we can find him. Unlike the others I really haven't had a chance to get to know him, he is always heading out on supply runs (now that we have actual outlines and routes planned out) or even miles ahead of us in a burned-out city checking message boards.
After a couple of hours, I was finally able to pin him down, he was in what was once the lunchroom and he wasn't alone. Ronnie was with him, along with Jinxx and Jake; of course, I have come to learn that those four together in one area is sometimes a dreadful thing but also a good thing. The good thing about is that they finally got him pinned down long enough to eat but it also means that he saw something on the board that he needed to clear his head about. The last time that happened was when we got the heads up about F.E.A.R and their raid. It got me thinking about Thomas and how if it weren't for him, we would have been caught off guard.
Shaking my head of those thoughts, I pointed out to Prophet to where we could find him. We proceeded all the way down to the lunchroom and found them sitting at the far corner table with Star going over more messages from some of our other camps. When we reached the table, I cleared my throat and said "Star, we need to speak to the guys alone right now; do me a favor and see if one of the guards can find a spot you. I know see if the guard with the younger children needs any help, I'll come and find you when we are ready to leave. If you see Destroyer and Mourner along the way, could you send them down please?"
Prophet turned towards me and asked, 'How's her training going?" As I watched her leave, I couldn't help but smile "Let's see, she is to the point where se can beat guys twice her age; she morning studies, from what I have heard have improved and the guards all say she is eager to be put in guard rotation. That's why I sent her to the children's room, I figured that's a wonderful place to start. The day I received that message from Thomas, she didn't hesitate to get Mystic and Dragon. We found out that when I get mad, we have earthquakes, so I just need to center myself and not get upset over things I can't control.
"I need to stop blaming myself and realize that the blame belongs to F.E.A.R and them alone. These past few months have made realize that the reason I left and came with Dragon was the right decision." I said as we sat down at the table. I also noticed that whenever we sit down Andy/Prophet is always at the head of the table and Dragon sits to his right, Mystic is on his left, Mourner usually sat next to Mystic and Destroyer sits next me now that I sit next to Dragon.
"Metis has brought something to my attention; she watched from the shadows of one the highest windows as F. searched the city for us. Metis, tell them what you saw and your thoughts on the matter." Prophet said as soon the others joined us at the table. Taking a deep breath, I say, "There were about fifty or so Priests that came into the city, at first they stood right outside here almost waiting for one of us to make a mistake. Then all but one, who I assumed was the Head Priest just stood there staring up at the exact window I was looking out of. I knew there was no way he could see me but it felt like he could, as if he knew someone was watching him, watch us.
"I can't honestly tell how long we stood there starting at each other but I can tell you that after a few minutes he left. He didn't come closer or even send someone to investigate, he just left. I waited until I saw them all leave the city and without taking any chances I crawled to and down the stairs, straight to Prophet. We need a distraction, we need someone willing to go and lead them away, even with the chance of them getting caught. It needs to be someone who just recently joined us, someone who doesn't know that I am Peyton and as well as Metis, that way if they are questioned, they can honestly say they don't know who Peyton is.
"I don't want anyone to be capture or even hurt like Dragon was when I first found him but I can't even risk one to the seven of us getting caught. We all know what will happen if I am caught but you six, a fate worse than mine awaits you if your caught. You will be forced to fight against the rest of us and your family here with the camps; Prophet, they wouldn't even make you hide behind Priest robes. They would have you front and center, out in the open as to show us that even you can be converted, it would destroy all of us to see that."
"Metis, another message came in for you; but instead of being addressed to Peyton it was addressed to Metis. Other than writing it down, I haven't looked at it. I figured you would want to read it and then go from there, from what I saw its not from Thomas." Fenix said quietly as he handed me a piece of paper. ~Metis, hmm so you know have integrated yourself among the Rebels. After I received you little letter, I as amazed at the fact you have joined their little army; I never thought you would have in you. If I had known that you would fallen for their lies so easily, I would have never brought you family into Temple. I am proud to say that my youngest son Thomas has joined the ranks of my Priests, in fact I sent him on his first mission.
~He and the other Priest's under his command is searching all the Burned-out cities between here and the Base he told you about. Oh, you didn't think, I knew what my youngest son was up too; at first, I was in denial that my youngest could betray me. Then right before the raid that was supposed to happen on your former campsite, I saw him writing to someone a message board. Then when the arrived at the campsite and all that was left was your note, I knew without delay he betrayed us. Just know this, you will make a mistake and we will capture; we will make and example out of all you.~
Looking around at the table, I felt almost sacred; "We need to vacate this city as soon as we can, I say we start sending out groups of five at a time. Well except the children, send them to the closest camp, the seven us need to separate and hide among one of the groups we are sending out. Destroyer, you go with the first group; go straight to the base and send word for the next group. Prophet, you will need to be in the next group but don't let it show that it is you, Mystic and Mourner will need to be in the next two groups. Once the four of you are safely behind the gates of the Base, Metis, Fenix, and I will start heading out. They will be excepting us to travel as one vast group but if they see smaller groups of people, it will look one of the other camps is moving sites." Dragon said.
The guys looked around the table and then it hit me, I needed to send Star with on of the groups, I didn't want her with me in case I was caught. "Mystic, I need you to take Star with you; she can't be near me while traveling. So far F.E.A.R doesn't know about her or what her relation is to me and I want to keep her out of this until she is a bit older. If I could get away with it, I would send her to another camp, but I know she won't leave." I said as I looked over at Mystic from across the table. Prophet spoke this time, "Metis is right, we need to leave and we need to leave fast; Destroyer, take the wagons and leave at once, Mystic grab Star and have her prepare to leave about two hours after I leave. Mourner, leave two hours after Mystic and Star; Fenix I want you to be the last to leave. Shut down our message boards on this end and make sure to not leave any clue to our next location.
"Metis, I need you and Dragon leaving two hours after Mourner; you two are the most wanted behind myself. I need you both to stay together and watching each other's backs, once you both reach the Base come find me and then we can start assigning quarters." He said right before we broke and went start evacuating. I knew he was right, both Dragon and I were number's two and three on the most wanted list, the only one who was not wanted was Fenix. They just believe he is someone who runs our message boards and not a Lieutenant like the rest of them. Of course, Dragon really isn't a Lieutenant; he is more like the Captain.
During the next few hours, everyone left separate groups with Destroyer leaving with the wagons first. Prophet, left with the next group which was the older ladies who didn't go to one of our other camps. I have a feeling the treated him, like he was child again and every time he tired to tell them what to do, they would just tsk and fret over him. I didn't feel bad about that one bit, Mystic and Star left not long after him and their group held the children who also didn't want to leave. Mourner was the last to leave before Dragon and I left, leaving behind Fenix; I just hoped he makes it to the Base safely, I didn't know if the Priests were nearby or not.
It took us a week to make it to the base, since we had to travel under the cover of darkness most of the time. I knew that Star was safe with Mystic and the others at the base but I still couldn't shake the feeling we were being watched. Every night before we set off, I would look around our surroundings and get a sense of what was out there, after not finding anything Dragon and I would take off and walk as far as we could until day light came. When we finally made it to the base the Guards that were positioned at the front gate let us pass through, I reminded them to keep an eye out Fenix.