Chapter 9
The Mallrats surrounded by guards were led down a hallway out of the building. Outside the sun was shining and there lots of people around. There were many other guards outside the building but lots of other people around too. They were now in a square courtyard with buildings on all four sides. They were led to other side and into another building and up a stairwell into another hallway. They passed several doors and were led into a large room. The room was warm and filled with couches and flowers. The walls were covered with magnificent murals and the floor was fully carpeted. The room was beautiful and homely. The guards left the Mallrats alone. They all stood in shock not quite knowing what to do. They were all so tired all they wanted was to curl up on the couches but they were too terrified to do so. Then the door was opened by a guard from the other side and in walked a young woman. She was about twenty but seemed much younger. She had the air of a little girl. She was wearing a youthful flowing yellow Sunday dress and wore her blonde hair in buns with flowers stuck in them. Across her face was the warmest smile. Sun seemed to shine from her teeth.
"Oh you look sooo tired friends. Please sit!" She beckoned to them. Cautiously they all sat except for Lex who remained defiant. She walked over to Lex and put her hand softly on his shoulder. "I am sorry if Norma has shown you any disrespect. She tends to over do things. You have my word that I will see to her personally. Now please sit. I know you must be tired." Even Lex could not resist her warmth.
"Thank You" was all he was able to manage in reply. She then moved to a big armchair and sat facing them.
"Well you must be wondering who I am and where you are. My name is Lourdes and I'm The Keeper Of The Kingdom. It's sort of like prime minister of sorts like from before the virus. The name of my home and tribe is Linua. We are all so excited to have you here"
"Why did you bring us here in the first place?" asked Ellie annoyed.
"Well you were on our land. The Guards were out patrolling and found you. We didn't know then that you were Mallrats."
"Wait, you've heard of the Mallrats before?" asked May cautiously.
"Of course all Linuans have. We have traded with people from the city in the past. Stories of you have come to us. We were even fortunate enough to receive your antidote before the virus disappeared. What brings you here though?"
"Our city was hit by another virus." Said Trudy sadly. Baby Bray started to fuss.
"What is the little ones name?" Said Lourdes kindly and stood up.
"This is Bray" said Amber proudly.
"Oh May I hold him?" Cooed Lourdes. Amber held her child out. As she held the baby a sudden look of understanding spread over her face. "You must be Amber the leader?" Amber just smiled and nodded. "You must be named after your daddy." She said smiling down at the baby and returned him to his mother. "Well we must move you all out of that cell" she said and opened the door. "Have the Pasteur dorms prepared for them. Give them a proper dinner. Make sure there are bottles and cribs for the babies." Ordered Lourdes to the guard standing outside the door.
"What about the others?" interrupted Ellie.
"Ruby is sick Amber." Said Salene looking to Amber.
"All of us that you have captured are Mallrats. We've all belonged to other Tribes before. But we came here, all as Mallrats." Said Amber to Lourdes showing here position in her tribe.
"Oh of course." She said apologetically. "Have them taken to the Eastern Dorms as well and send a medic to check them all up" Said Lourdes. She turned around to face Amber and took her hand into hers. "We will speak more in the morning," She said to Amber as one leader to another. She then left the room.