The Walking Dead: 8 months on the road- The Story of Carl

Chapter 4

The weak winter sun drew thin lines of light in the misty depths of the woods, casting long shadows onto the forest floor. In a hollow, deep in the heart of the woods, Carl Grimes awoke. Yawning, Carl sat up and slowly stretched, before turning his gaze around the awakening camp. It had been a whole day since he'd returned from the town, therefore a whole day since him and Lori had argued. They'd barely spoken since and Carl had spent the day confined to camp: a punishment for what he'd said to Lori. Today Rick would let him leave the hollow, although he was still banned from supply runs. Rick had told him that he could still make himself useful by guarding the camp, although Carl had no intention of staying anywhere near the hollow. Two days ago, he'd promised David he would return in a couple of days. If he wanted to help David's group, or one person in particular, he would have to return to town today. Easier said than done. Carl shuddered to think the trouble he'd be in if Rick found out about his pledge to David, or even worse if he became stranded in the town again. He'd he dead. If it wasn't enough lying to Rick, Carl was also filled with guilt over Hershel. Hershel was a nice guy, and it seemed unfair to lie to him, although it wasn't like he had a choice. Getting to his feet, Carl neatly placed his Stetson on his mop of long, brown hair, before picking up his gun and knife. Emerging from his sleeping place, Carl saw that most of the group were already awake and busy. Daryl, Maggie and Glenn were pushing into the woods, most likely going to find food, whilst Hershel and Beth were sat around the now extinguished camp fire. Lori and Rick were nowhere to be seen. Glad of the virtually empty hollow, Carl quickly slipped out before Hershel or Beth could ask where he was going. Finally out in the forest, Carl felt his heart beat quicken. Hardly able to believe what he was doing, Carl cautiously headed in the direction of the town. Today was going to be a long day.

Carl nervously stumbled through the dark forest, checking behind him whenever he heard the smallest sound to indicate he was being followed. By the time Carl realised he had gotten away without arousing suspicion, he had nearly reached the edge of the woods, meaning he would soon be arriving in the town. Yet, although the thought of seeing Ashley beckoned, Carl knew he would have to collect food for David before seeing her. Whipping out his hunting knife Carl turned east, and headed deeper into the silent forest...

An hour or two had passed and Carl was ready to present his efforts to David. Carl had managed to find a dozen or so apples and peaches as well as an unexpected patch of carrots. He was now heading towards the town feeling pleased with himself, a feeling which kept getting over-laid by guilt. Carl knew he should return his collection to his group by he had promised David. And of course there was Ashley to consider! Taking a deep breath, Carl nervously swallowed before setting his feet on the direction of town.

Emerging from the greedy clutches of overgrown vegetation that had run wild on the edge of the forest, Carl blinked as the glint of sunlight from shop windows caught his eye. Pulling himself free from the cool shade the trees had offered, Carl adjusted his rucksack filled with supplies, before heading into town. Remembering his hasty escape the last time he had been there, Carl took a firm grip on his gun; you never know where the walkers had gone. Reaching the end of the line of stores Carl took a seat on the side walk, hoping that David would make an appearance soon. Minutes passed until Carl was half-considering returning to camp, when the sound of groaning caught his attention. Rising to his feet, Carl spotted a walker stupidly ambling it's way towards him. Smiling at the opportunity, Carl lifted his arm and put the walker down for good. For a moment the gunshot echoed around the town whilst Carl stood happily admiring his shooting skills. What Carl didn't see was the figure emerging from the alleyway behind him. A walker, attracted by the gunshot, had caught sight of Carl and was slowly heading towards him. As the distance between them closed, Carl, remembering his supplies, turned around...to see a walker inches from his face. Screaming in surprise Carl jumped backwards, before promptly tripping over the recently dead walker body. As he did, Carl felt his gun leave his hand and go spinning out of his reach. Desperately sliding towards it, Carl looked up to see the walker reaching towards him. As the claws that would seal his fate came closer, Carl felt his fingers bump against the barrel of the gun. As the walker bent to bite it's victim, Carl grasped the weapon firmly and in one swift movement shot the walker straight through the head. As the body collapsed, Carl began inhaling deeply before a recognisable voice drew him to his senses.

''Carl. Ever the sharpshooter I see. Welcome back. Now tell me, do you have any food?''.

With the sun casting bright rays into Carl's eyes, it took him a moment to recognise the owner of the voice. But when he did a surge of happiness ignited in Carl's heart. It was David. And where there was David, there would be Ashley.

After a short walk out of town, David had led Carl into their camp. It was a large grove with barbed wire surrounding it, and vehicles positioned protectively around it. There was no doubt that the camp was protected, but to Carl the barbed wire fences looked a little flimsy. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Carl began scanning the camp for something. Or someone... Leading Carl into the camp entrance, David turned around and ushered for him to come closer. Leaning towards Carl, David whispered into his ear:

''I'm warning you now son, these here people are gonna be a tad hostile. Nothing personal but strangers and all...They get worried. But you won't be here for long''.

Carl reluctantly nodded, before stopping abruptly when David uttered his next sentence.

''I've got a small job for you and Ashley. If you're up to it that is?''.

''Of course'' rushed Carl excitedly. ''What is it?''.

''Nothing special'' confessed David. ''Just a trip into town to get supplies. I would send others, but we're busy with reinforcing the camp and watching for walkers. You up to it? It could be dangerous''.

''I'll help you'' answered Carl. ''Does umm, Ashley know?''.

''She knows and she can't wait to get going. Much like you I suspect'' said David, giving Carl a knowing smile.

Before Carl could reply, David spoke announcing Ashley's arrival.

''There she is'', David pointed out.

Ashley had appeared from behind one of the RV's around the camp, and was running towards them. As she skidded to a halt in front of them, she threw her arms around Carl and gave him a hug.

''Carl, it's great to see you again. Ready to go?'' Ashley asked removing herself from the hug.

Carl was speechless: too caught up in the hug and Ashley's words- 'it's great to see you again'. A pang in his heart reminded Carl how much he had missed her. And here she was, right in front of him, and what was he doing? Ignoring her. C'mon Carl speak!

''Uhhh, yeah I'm ready. Are, umm, are you?'', Carl stuttered.

''Yeah I'm ready. So let's get going, shall we?'' Ashley breathed excitedly.

''Okay'' said Carl, beginning to walk in the direction of the town. Ashley started to follow, but turned back as David spoke once more.

''Remember you two, this is a dangerous world. The dead are walking, and the living are barely living. Survival is neither common, nor a right. So when you leave this camp, keep looking around. Never let your guards down. Look out for each other. And never leave the others side. And most importantly: survive''.

''We will'' said Ashley.

''Yeah don't worry, we'll be back before you know it'' Carl put in.

''You better be'' warned David. ''Alright off you go''.

Walking next to each other, Carl and Ashley began the short trek into town.

''You did what?'' exploded Mark. ''You let a stranger take one of our own, into the walker infested town, alone?''.

''That was my call to make and I did'' growled David.

David, Mark and James were in David's tent inside the camp having a meeting. At the moment, things weren't going great. David had come to view them both as deputies in a way. James was very quiet, but always first to help the group, whilst Mark...Well Mark was a piece of work, but David knew he had the camps best interests at heart. He and Mark clashed in most meetings, and it looked like this one was going to continue that trend.

''We don't know this kid! He's probably a spy for his group, waiting to steal our camp from us. Or he'll take Ashley hostage and use her as leverage'', continued Mark angrily.

''Now that's not fair'' interrupted James. ''Carl saved us. Without him all three of us could be dead. And I think Ashley can look after herself, don't you?''.

''Whatever'' spat Mark.

''What's done is done'', interrupted David before the argument could escalate. ''I'm the leader here, Mark. I make the decisions. I trust Carl and so does James. I'm not asking you to like or trust him, but trust me. I do what's best for this camp and these people and I always will''.

Mark continued to look unconvinced, so David sighed and continued to speak-

-''Okay Mark. I'll do you a deal. If Carl so much as hints at being a traitor, you can kill him. But only after speaking to me. Is that fair?''.

James gasped at the ghastly proposal, whilst Mark thought it over in his head. After what seemed like years, Mark spoke-

''Okay. Deal. But I'm warning you, he will betray us and you just agreed to his death. Remember that David. You killed a kid today'' growled Mark, before he turned and marched out of the tent, leaving James and David alone.

''David'' said James slowly, ''Did you just arrange for an innocent boy, who has been helping us, to be murdered?''

''Murder is such an ugly word. No, I'd say disposed of'' corrected David.

James shook his head and stood up, ready to leave.

''Plus it's only if he betrays us'' called David desperately.

Turning to face David, James spoke-

''No David. You've given the most violent man in camp, a golden ticket to kill. Believe me, Carl is a dead man walking. And now it's only a matter of time''.

''Dead man walking?'' David repeated. ''Who would notice the difference in these times?''.

Shaking his head, James turned and left, leaving David alone in the long shadows of his thoughts...

TO BE CONTINUED...

Thanks for reading. Reviews and comments would be welcome. Sorry for not updating for a while. The next chapter will focus on Carl and Ashley, and I'll hopefully have it written soon.