Chapter Seven
Everything was a whirl of confusion, and I let them just wonder about what was going to happen for now. I would explain to them tomorrow that it was all a ploy by the Japanese to get Burma's support. If I remembered correctly this was around the time that Japan realized it was losing the war. I went to sleep fast that night. With only a few hours until dawn I tried to recharge my battered body as much as possible before we had to move on again.
My dreams were plagued by nightmares. In one Haru and James were killed by the mine. In another the world was just a desolate plane filled with radiation and death. When Hilltop finally woke me up in the morning, I felt even worse than when I went to bed.
"Sarae, I want you to ride Miss Pretty and take her and Hannibal up to the center of the island. Stay there until we get back. It may be all day because we have to ford the river and walk a few miles to get to Rangoon. We will keep our ears open for news as you suggested." Hilltop explained how to get to the center of the island and with strength that surprised me, considering his age; he helped me onto Miss Pretty's back.
"Hannibal should follow you. Now be safe and don't follow us. Promise me." He looked me in the eye and wouldn't let me look away until I promised.
"I promise Hilltop." He smiled and walked away with Nick and Mya. I started walking with Miss Pretty, and looked down at my crossed fingers. I really didn't like lying, especially to Hilltop, but this was a necessary evil.