The Hand of Erebus: Chronicles of the Collapse, #4

By Robert E. Taylor

The Hand of Erebus (Chronicles of the Collapse, Book 4)

The world was unravelling.

Nathan knew it now, thought there was little that he could do about it. Though he possessed technology that might be helpful someday,
his understanding of it was limited and tinkering with it could have catastrophic consequences.

With more immediate and pressing matters to attend to, he continues the daily struggle to survive and make something of the fledgling community that he and his friends have set up.

There are others, however, that have taken note of the recent events in Albertville. Others that wish to possess the technology and knowledge that Nathan has gained. Others that will resort to any means to secure their goals.

Nathan and his friends are soon plunged once more into the midst of violence and this time one thing is beyond doubt.

None of them will come out of it unscathed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robert E. Taylor
• Release date: Feb 25, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301914586

Robert E. Taylor

Robert Taylor lives with his long-term partner just outside London, England. He has travelled widely, visiting most of Europe, much of North Africa and parts of the Middle-East. His jobs have included many diverse careers such as Bank Courier, Cinema Projectionist and even Scuba Diving Instructor. In his off time, he enjoys travel, reading, computer gaming and watching movies.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

I’m not sure this is accomplishing anything, Nathan. We found nothing at the other two places.

The speaker was a tall man, with a number of home-applied tattoos decorating his arms. His clothing was likewise homemade. Not that he had a home, as such.

I thought I explained it well enough, Timo. I’ll be happy if we find nothing at all.

The man who answered was late middle-age, going grey and had a weary look about him as if he was in desperate need of a vacation.

We have to check. It is important. A third man said. His accent was mostly gone now, but there was the hint of eastern European about it.

It is important to these people you pander to, Nathan. Timo persisted. Not to you and your clan. There is much water in this city, even if you do not take it out of the earth.

Nathan sighed and continued to ready himself for the trip into the nearby subway. It was the third entrance they were checking, so most of his preparations were long done. But he went through the checks anyway. Leaving anything behind might mean the difference between life and death.

Finally, he pulled the map from his pocket and spread it open on the hood of the electric hybrid he drove.

Look. He said again, pointing to the lines on the map. This line is one of the three metro lines that run under the city. It is also the shallowest subway of the three.

Timo moved closer and peered, unconvinced, at the map.

This station, Nathan indicated a stop on the line. Is where I recently had a run-in with the Eyeless and their Maggots. When I made my escape from there, the Jellies also tried to make for the flooded subway tunnel. If they made it to the tunnel, then they may have reached one of the three stations on the line that are junction stops that intersect the other two lines.

What of it? Timo shrugged. If they got into the other lines there is nothing to be done about it.

No, Jurgen’s Polish accent was barely discernible. But we can at least stop drawing water from the other lines for shipment.

There are many bottles of water in the buildings, Nathan. Erla pointed out. Like Timo, she was a Tribal, decorated with tattoos. Even if this supply is tainted, you will have enough for years.

Nathan nodded. I know. But we already have a tanker of water ready to ship back to Fortuna. I’d rather not send them tainted water. Plus, I want to know how mobile these things are. A simple touch from one of them is deadly.

You know, Daniel Hayes chimed in. Those morons back at Fortuna already have Jellies in the mines below the town. They’ve been drinking from the well - we all have - for years. Nobody’s died because of it and the Jellies haven’t crawled out of the mine to attack anybody.

That’s true. Nathan admitted. And I am hopeful that the Jellies have limited mobility out of water. But I still need to check this, for my own peace of mind.

You sure you’re not feeling any kind of… pressure… to investigate this? Jurgen asked quietly.

Nathan looked at him sharply. You mean is something driving me to do this, the way it happened at the cinema?

The Pole nodded.

Nathan frowned, considering the matter carefully. No. It’s not like that. The Whisperer and Jared are gone. I haven’t had any dreams for days, ever since I closed the bridge terminus. This is just me being concerned about the water supply and the threat the Jellies represent.

Jurgen nodded. Good, because none of us wants to go through that again!

Hayes grinned good-naturedly. Fuck, no! Once was enough. It wasn’t fun driving around the damn city being chased by the fucking Eyeless! I used up all but two of my rifle rounds!

The little group stood around the hood of the car, looking at the map. Nathan was aware that they all considered him the de facto leader, despite his recent lapses in judgement. He was also aware of the growing feeling of belonging that he was experiencing towards the group.

It all started with building that damn compound! He mused. Before that, they had just been a bunch of people - friends, yes, but not more than that - but now…

Now we are a community in our own right. And I’m liking that feeling.

It was a surprise to him. He had traditionally been a loner, preferring to rely on nobody but himself. His encounters with various communities and groups in the post-Collapse world had done nothing to enamour him of the merits of social groupings. Quite the opposite in fact.

But now he was feeling that sense of community with these people. It was an unexpected, and somewhat frightening, realisation.

He glanced up at the roof of the hybrid and saw the root cause of his change.

Cara smiled down at him, her hazel eyes twinkling in amusement as she listened to the various comments people were making. She had come a long way since he had first met her but there was still a long way for her to go. Yet, it was she that Nathan credited with most of the changes in attitude that he was experiencing lately.

She brings out the best in me. He thought. Left to my own devices, I’m a much more cynical and dark person.

The world, however, was a dark place these days. Sometimes it required that those still alive be as dark as it was. Nathan was no stranger to that darkness but he only let it out of himself on behalf of others.

At least, that’s what I tell myself. The truth is, I just do what needs to be done.

Come on then! He told the others, folding the map back up and tossing it through the opening where the passenger window had been. Let’s get this over with. Don’t we have a party to go to?

Hell yeah! Hayes grinned. Do you know how long it’s been since I got drunk?

I suspect after tonight that we will think it hasn’t been long enough! Jurgen quipped.

Screw you! Hayes muttered with a grin. I’ll have you know, I’m a very pleasant drunk!

Nathan couldn’t resist joining in Jurgen’s teasing. Yeah, I hear you don’t swear when you’re drunk?

I don’t fucking swear much anyway! Hayes protested. At least, a lot less than I used to. You people are a bad influence on me.

Sure we are. Jurgen nodded.

Anyway. Are we doing this, or are we gonna stand around taking the piss out of me all day? Hayes grumbled.

Jurgen started to make a face as if he was giving the matter serious thought.

Enough! Nathan laughed. We’ll have plenty of opportunity to mock Hayes later when he makes a fool of himself on beer.

Hayes snorted but kept quiet. The two Tribals merely looked on, bemused by the interaction.

Okay. Nathan told them all. Everyone check your lights and weapons. We don’t want to be stumbling around in the dark, unarmed.

Cara leapt lightly off the roof and ran ahead to the stairs leading down to the subway. She peered down into the darkness as she waited for the others to catch up.

You sense anything? Jurgen asked her as they caught up.

She shook her head.

Good enough for me. Hayes said and started down the steps, Jurgen beside him. Nathan followed with Cara alongside and the two Tribals, Timo and Erla brought up the rear.

With the exception of the two Tribals, each of them carried a light source of one sort or another, along with backup light-sticks for emergencies. Each of them apart from Cara carried a variety of weapons.

Without any discussion, they descended into the darkness of the long-unused subway, their flashlights and lanterns throwing wild shadows around as they went.

At the bottom of the stairs the entrance gave on to a large ticketing hall, with dusty ticket machines lining the walls. Because of the central nature of this particular station, there were even a few actual ticket booths in evidence. Dirt and dust and litter had blown down the stairs over the years, filling in the angles between floor and walls and carpeting the former with a thin layer of grit.

At the far end, a pair of escalators led further down into the darkness. Above the opening was a sign saying All Lines. Other than the stairs up to the street, there was no other exit.

The escalator was a short one. At the bottom was a flat area and they all paused at the bottom of the escalator to take stock and listen hard. Opposite, another escalator led deeper into darkness. To either side was an opening, labelled respectively Gold Line North and Gold Line South. But there was another tunnel that led off, wide and dark, marked as Valley Lane Mall.

How about that? Hayes whispered. A way straight into the Mall.

Fairly common in the old days. Nathan remarked. Made it easier for shoppers and created less street congestion.

Hayes nodded. Which way?

Let’s take a look around this area first. This is where the Jellies would have had to come through if they wanted to cross from one line to another. Nathan suggested.

They cautiously scouted around. Nathan had already impressed upon them how difficult the Jellies were to see, being essentially transparent. So they moved slowly, holding the flashlights low so as to try and highlight any reflections at ground level. But there was nothing.

So far that day they had checked the two other stations on the Gold Line that connected to other lines. In both those cases they had found no trace of anything unpleasant to suggest the Jellies had managed to migrate between the subway systems.

Nathan wasn’t sure what he was looking for. Obviously, if they found one of the little round creatures in the tunnels it would be bad news, but he hoped not to find anything at all. Back at Fortuna, the Jellies had not come out of the mines. Jimmy Mack had even had an open pit down into the mines into which he had thrown those who got on his wrong side. The Jellies had never come up through there.

On the other hand, they had managed to climb a rope he had left carelessly dangling in the water. That had cost a friend of his their foot as a result. Nathan found it difficult to understand how the Jellies could manage to climb a rope, but not get out of a flooded mine with a gaping hole into it. So he wasn’t prepared to take chances this time around.

I don’t want anyone stepping on one of those things when they’re walking around the street. He told himself. Once was enough.

In the case of Lacey’s foot, amputation had been the only way to save her. The creature had already started whatever process of transmutation it had begun. Even after getting it off, the process had continued, with normal flesh turning as transparent as the Jellies themselves. Even fire hadn’t halted the change. Only by cutting off her foot had he saved her life, and that of her unborn child. It wasn’t an experience he was eager to repeat.

Alright. He told the rest. Let’s check the platforms.

The southbound platform was clean. The station was situated at possibly the highest point in the city and, as a result, the water covering the tracks in this, the shallowest of the city’s three transit systems, was barely knee-deep. They could even see the glimmer of the tracks when they shone their lights down into it.

When they had made sure the platform was free of danger, Nathan said. Okay, lights off for a few moments.

As the flashlights clicked off one by one, utter darkness descended upon them. As when they had done this at the other two stations, there was a momentary panic they all felt. There was a brief return to their sight when Cara’s fingers, wrapped tightly around her light-stick, slipped to let a little of the blue light out. Then she corrected the slip with a little noise of irritation at herself and they were in the absolute blackness once more.

For a long span of time, they stood there, letting their eyes adjust to the darkness as well as they could. In the total darkness that they found themselves, they were never going to see any details or even vague shapes. But it was not what they were looking for.

The Jellies gave off a dim bioluminescence. A cold, blue light not unlike the light from Cara’s light-stick. But as before, after a minute or two of darkness, there was no trace of any other illumination.

Nathan breathed a sigh of relief. Okay, that’ll do. Lights on.

Cara’s dim blue light was all they needed to find their way off the platform and back to the junction chamber. Once there, they slowly put their other lights back on so as to let their eyes get accustomed to the brightness.

Well, nothing on that side. Jurgen muttered. Looks like we might be lucky after all.

Let’s check the other side, then we can all get out of here. I’ve had enough of poking around in the dark for one day. Nathan agreed.

I hear that! Hayes muttered, taking the lead into the short tunnel leading to the northbound platform.

The platform was empty and didn’t look to have been disturbed for years. The water was a similar depth over the tracks as on the other side. Nathan was about to call for lights out when something caught his eye. A flash of brightness in the dark water. He moved over and knelt at the edge of the platform, shining his lantern down into the water. He drew the big Outlaw revolver as he did so.

What is it? Jurgen’s voice was concerned. What have you seen?

Nathan shrugged. Scratches. Take a look for yourself.

They clustered around him, peering down into the water.

Below the water, the nearest rail stretched off left and right. Unused for years and then covered in water, the surface of the rail was brown with rust. Here and there, the rust had been scratched off, as if by claws or nails, exposing the bright steel beneath.

The Jellies didn’t do that. Jurgen said.

No, but we all know what could have. Nathan said softly.

There was only one creature they knew of that lived below ground and had claws.

The Eyeless.

You said they didn’t follow you into the subway tunnel. Hayes whispered.

Nathan nodded. They didn’t. But the water was a lot deeper there. Maybe they don’t mind getting their feet wet.

Jurgen shone his light up and down the edge of the platform. There are no marks on the platform itself.

I guess this wasn’t their stop? Hayes quipped.

Where do you think they were going, Nathan? Timo asked.

And which way? Erla added.

Nathan shook his head. The scratches don’t really give a direction.

It was true. Most of the marks on the rails were aligned along the rails, but it was impossible to tell which way the Eyeless had been going when they passed by the platform. But they hadn’t left the tunnel, that much was clear.

Maybe they have a nest in one of the nearby stations? Jurgen offered.

Maybe. Nathan agreed. It seemed a likely possibility. The Eyeless didn’t like water much, it seemed, but the subways - the one’s that weren’t flooded, at least - offered ready-made sanctuaries for the light-avoiding aliens.

How old you think those scratches are? Hayes asked.

Nathan shrugged. Not that old, I think. The metal hasn’t really started to oxidise yet. We’ll ask Bob when we get back. He’ll probably have a better idea about this sort of thing. But I’d bet they aren’t more than a week or two old at most.

Shame we don’t have Jason here. Jurgen sighed. He’d probably know that sort of stuff.

Jason was Fortuna’s ‘engineer’. He was a mine of useless information on topics like oxidation rates, having been a structural engineer before the Collapse. If anyone could draw conclusions about the age of the scratches, it was him.

Nathan got to his feet slowly. He wasn’t getting any younger and the harsh life he’d led over the last twenty years or so was taking its toll on his body. Nothing worked as well as it used to.

We gonna do the light check here? Hayes asked dubiously.

Under the circumstances, Nathan said, indicating the marks on the rails. I think that would be foolish. I suggest we all get out of here right now!

The rest needed no further urging. The little group made their way swiftly back up to the surface. Back out in the daylight, they all felt a sense of relief. But not as much as they once had.

In the past, everyone had assumed the Eyeless couldn’t function in the daylight. They had never been seen during the day. Recently, however, that had changed. The Eyeless could go abroad in the daylight, though they were hampered by it, almost as if it blinded them, despite the fact that they had no eyes.

But Nathan believed that the Eyeless had been driven out by the fire that he had unwittingly started. They would rather be out in the daylight than burn to death.

Nathan glanced at Hayes. The man had told him that he had seen one of the Eyeless trying to extinguish the flames on another. It was an unsettling development.

First they proved to be smart, now they seem to care about one another.

He had also witnessed at first-hand a request for a mercy killing from one of the Eyeless. The thing had not spoken to him, but its gestures were unmistakable. It had even put the barrel of his shotgun in its own mouth.

Nathan shook his head as he climbed in to the driver’s seat of the hybrid. There was a lot more to the Eyeless than they knew. A lot, lot more. He didn’t know how the Jellies and their Maggot progenitors fit into the Eyeless’ ecology. But the more he did learn, the less he liked what he found.

As if things aren’t bad enough with reality itself failing around us.

As the others climbed into the vehicle, he glanced out through the dirty windshield at the city around them.

Albertville was supposed to be a small town. Yet here it was, a large city. A city that, according to Samuel, had appeared in the blink of an eye.

Nathan’s mind was filled with information planted there by Jared. A lot of that data was far too complex for him to understand. Yet, when he thought about specific things, the information rose to the forefront of his mind, as if it had always been there. He understood little of it yet, but each day a little bit more made sense to him. It wasn’t much, but it was a start.

He glanced around at his passengers. All set?

They nodded.

Let’s go. Jurgen told him.

Although there was no immediate reason for haste, Nathan drove them rapidly from the city.

CHAPTER TWO

The relief they felt at leaving the city behind lasted all the way back to their outpost. However, once there, Nathan and Cara were greeted with news that they had all but given up on hearing.

He’s awake. Jenny told them through the window of the hybrid after they drove into the front section of their compound.

Nathan glanced across at Cara, who sat on the passenger seat next to him. Her face was a mix of hope and fear.

What happened? He asked, turning back to Jenny.

She shrugged. I went to check on him and he was just…awake. He didn’t look too impressed to see me. Then he told me to tell you to come see him. Then he ordered us out of his compound.

Nathan sighed. I imagine his choice of words wasn’t pleasant.

Jenny shrugged. It wasn’t as bad as it could have been. At least Sarah was outside with Kyle, so she didn’t hear them. Plus, he’s real weak, so the words didn’t have much… venom… behind them.

You could have just ignored his orders. Nathan smiled.

I could have. She replied. But… Christ! He’s been such an asshole about everything. You and Cara, the fact that you risked your life to save his. Hell! The three of us risked our lives for him! Yet there’s not even a shred of gratitude in him. If he doesn’t want us to look after him that’s fine by me. I’m tired of wiping his shitty ass, anyway! The venom that she had stated was missing from the old man’s voice was very much present in hers.

Nathan reached out through the window and squeezed her arm. It’s alright, Jen. You and Kyle have more than done your share, nursing him these weeks. Thank you.

It’s not you that should be thanking me! She muttered.

I’m not thanking you for that. Not exactly. Nathan said. He glanced back at Cara. We, are thanking you for something else entirely.

Jenny glanced at Cara and the blonde smiled at her reassuringly, nodding her agreement with Nathan’s words.

Jenny sighed. I sometimes forget you two have unfinished business with the old bastard.

Nathan nodded. That we do. You said he asked to see us?

I’m not sure asked is the way I’d put it… Jenny grumbled.

Nathan glanced up at sky. Well, no sense in putting this off. We can be over there and back well before darkness falls. He turned in his seat. Everyone out who isn’t going to Samuel’s place.

The others got out gratefully. The old man was not someone they really knew, let alone cared about. Nor did they feel like getting involved in the business of exactly who it was between Nathan and the old man that owned Cara. The whole thing made them uncomfortable.

We’ll get on with the feast. Jurgen told Nathan. Don’t be late, or we will start without you!

I’m starting on the beers right away! Hayes muttered as they walked away towards the back lot of the compound.

Jenny lingered a little longer. Nathan. Don’t put up with his shit. Her gaze flicked to Cara, then back to Nathan. The two of you have put up with his crap for long enough.

Nathan nodded and put the vehicle into reverse. We’ll see you shortly.

She nodded as he reversed back out onto the highway, waving before closing the main gate to the compound. Nathan turned the hybrid around and headed back along the road towards the city.

Cara, who had hardly said more than a couple of words all afternoon, suddenly spoke up. Do you think Sam will try to break his promise?

That wouldn’t be very wise of him. Nathan answered flatly.

Cara was silent for a while, but Nathan could see she was thinking carefully about what to say next. When she did speak again, it wasn’t far off what he expected.

Nathan, promise not to hurt him. We…I… need this to work the way we spoke about before. The transfer, I mean. It has to be done right.

Nathan nodded. I know. I want it to be done right as well. But he may not give us that choice. You have to be prepared for that.

I don’t want to belong to him anymore. She said sadly. It’s odd. He wasn’t nearly as mean as some people I’ve belonged to. He just… changed. But it’s just…I feel like I belong to you already!

Nathan glanced across at her. It’s alright. I promise you it will all get sorted out in the next hour. Whatever Samuel says, you won’t belong to him after that.

Cara looked nervously at him. You promise?

He nodded and smiled at her. I promise. This ends today. Like Jenny said. We’ve put up with his shit long enough.

Cara’s face was a mixture of happiness and concern.

She still thinks I’ll rough the old bastard up if he tries any of his tricks.

In fairness, Nathan wasn’t sure exactly what he’d do if the old man denied the deal they’d made some time ago. Under that deal, Nathan had agreed to get the powerful antibiotics the old man needed to fight off the infection he’d received from a bullet wound. In return, Nathan got Cara.

Whilst he was very happy to be with her, Nathan wasn’t at all happy about becoming Cara’s owner. Not for a minute. But the alternative was to leave her in the old man’s ownership and, recently, that had proved to be an increasingly unpleasant situation for her. There was no way he was going to leave her in the old man’s clutches any longer.

He found the turn-off that led to Samuel’s compound easily. They were all very familiar with it by now. The road was full of holes and half-overgrown with desert plant life, but it was easy to find, and follow.

By the time they caught sight of the ruined and collapsed town that Samuel’s compound nestled amongst, the afternoon was half over. But there was still plenty of time to speak to the old man and get back before dark.

When the compound hove into view, everything looked quiet. The gate was pushed to, but the chain was not over the pillar. Evidently, Jenny and Kyle hadn’t felt like securing the old man’s home for him when they left. He could hardly blame them. The old man had become miserable and mean. He was surprised they even bothered to push the gate closed.

Cara jumped out and pulled the gate open and he drove inside the compound.

*****

Samuel’s trailer still had its door tied open, just as it always had and the place looked deserted. But it was not.

As they approached the trailer on foot, the old man’s voice wavered from out of the depths of the trailer, weak and uncertain.

Who…who’s there?

Cara glanced at Nathan and, when she realised he was not about to reply, opened her own mouth to call out. Nathan put a hand gently across her mouth and shook his head.

Let the old man suffer in fear a moment longer.

Who is it? Samuel’s voice croaked. Is that you Nathan? Show yourself, dammit!

Nathan smiled reassuringly at Cara before replying. Yes, it’s me!

He approached the trailer’s door and looked in towards the old man’s bedroom.

About time. Samuel wheezed. He sounded frail and exhausted.

Nathan climbed the trailer’s little step and went down the corridor to Samuel’s bedroom.

The old man had managed to sit up in the bed and had somehow gotten a pillow behind himself. The last time that Nathan had seen him he had been lying flat on the bed.

Samuel looked like death warmed up. His eyes were dark and sunken. His cheeks were hollow and his complexion was pallid and diseased looking. The smell in the room wasn’t at all pleasant, even with the trailer door wide open. Then again, the old man hadn’t smelt good for a long time.

That’s a pretty good vampire impression you’ve got going on there. Nathan observed with some amusement.

Laugh all you want. Samuel said tiredly. At least I’m still breathing.

That you are. Nathan agreed.

I take it you found the antibiotics I sent you for.

Nathan nodded. We wouldn’t be talking now if I hadn’t.

The old man frowned. How…how long have I been out?

Nathan shrugged. Weeks, rather than days. I wasn’t really counting.

I feel like shit.

You look like it, too.

Samuel’s gaze looked past Nathan. I see you are still hanging around with this deadbeat. He said to Cara. More fool you.

The old man tried to inject some spite into his words, but he just didn’t have the energy.

Well, Nathan said, moving a little closer to the bed. Much though I treasure these moments of banter between us, we have some business to conclude.

Samuel’s face took on a wary look. I suppose we have.

I kept my end of the bargain. Time for you to keep yours. Nathan said. His words were as much for Cara’s benefit as they were to remind the old man of his end of the deal. She had been present when they came to their arrangement. But he wanted to make sure there was no ambiguity in the way she looked at this. He doubted she needed to hear what he said, but it made sense to state things plainly anyhow. The old man had a history of twisting things.

I expect you want this, then? The old man’s right hand rose, trembling, to the thong around his neck.

That was the deal. Nathan reminded him.

Samuel nodded and for a moment it looked like he was considering arguing the point or trying to twist things to his own advantage. But in the end, it seemed that he was too weak to even be bothered with that. His hand tugged feebly at the thong.

I can’t get it off. He said. I’m too weak, it’s too small to go over my head and it’s tied with one of those damnable knots of hers!

Nathan knew the knots the old man referred to. Cara had tied one of them on a bandage she’d put on him. He hadn’t been able to figure it out, either. It was far too complex.

Well, then. He told Samuel. I’ll cut it off you. He drew a small knife and leaned forward.

No! Cara’s cry was desperate. Both men looked at her. No. She repeated more softly. He has to hand it to you. He has to do it.

Dammit, girl! Samuel growled. Can’t you see I’m too weak?

You’ll have to undo the knot, then. Nathan suggested.

She shook her head. No. I can’t be involved. I can’t!

Nathan frowned. He thought he knew what she was on about.

Cara had a thing about the whole transfer of ownership business. It had to be done just right. The way she wanted it to go. In the past, she hadn’t any say in who owned her, or how that ownership was transferred. It was something that happened without any input on her part. Nathan had changed that by offering her the say-so in how things were done this time around and she had very definite ideas about each step of the process, it seemed.

Nathan wasn’t happy about any of the aspects of it. She wasn’t property to be bought and sold as far as he was concerned. But she had very definite mental issues about it all. Issues that led her to view it entirely differently from everyone else. To her, the slavery wasn’t the problem that everyone else saw it to be. It was something so deeply ingrained in her that she wasn’t really able to conceive of any other state of being. She had to belong to someone.

The difference was, he hoped, that she wanted to belong to him. It was subtle, but that much was her choice. But in order for that to take place, and for her to have any future chance of seeing herself as anything other than a slave, she had to first belong to him, not Samuel. And that meant he had to buy her from Samuel.

She was making up the details of the transfer, though. The nuts and bolts of how he ended up owning her were mostly her ideas and beliefs. Not his. It was something he went along with for the simple reason that it was her decisions and her ideas. As far as he could make out, her whole life she hadn’t been allowed to have any say in her life at all. He wasn’t about to take that small step away from her.

It has to be done right? He murmured softly at her.

She nodded. He has to hand you the key.

Nathan turned and offered the small knife to Samuel. Here. You can use this to cut the thong. It’s plenty sharp enough.

The old man took the knife hesitantly, as if he feared some trickery. Even though the blade was tiny, he still had trouble holding it. With an effort, he finally got the knife under the thong and, using both hands, forced the edge of the blade against the leather.

The leather was old and tough, but it had spent the last few weeks marinating in Samuel’s neck sweat. The little knife blade parted it with ease. As Nathan had stated, it was more than sharp enough for the task.

Samuel dropped the knife onto the bed covers and pulled the thong free of his neck. The rusty key slid down it until stopped by the knot Cara had tied in it. Samuel held it up.

Here! Take it. But there’s a condition.

Here it comes! Nathan thought. He can’t resist twisting the knife.

What is it now? He asked the old man darkly and with irritation.

You take this, and her, and get the hell out of my sight! This is my place! My compound! Not yours. None of you are welcome here anymore! I never want to see any of you again.

Are you sure that’s how you want this to end? Nathan asked.

Damn right! You’ve caused me enough trouble, the lot of you! I want my jeep back, though, if it isn’t out there already. You gave it to me. It’s mine!

Nathan nodded. Fine. I’ll bring it over in the morning. Anything else whilst you’re having a rant?

Samuel’s eyes darted about, as if he were looking for more things to complain about. No, I think that about sums it up.

Nathan held his hand under the old man’s. Then quit your moaning and hand it over.

Samuel still looked like he was still struggling to find more things to bitch about, but what little strength he had was flagging. Finally, with an exasperated noise, he upended his hand and let key and thong drop into Nathan’s open palm.

Nathan closed his hand promptly and stepped back before the old man could change his mind and try to snatch it back. Though he didn’t look around, he could almost feel the tension in Cara as she stood just behind him.

It’s done. He realised. I own her now.

The thought should have been a much happier one than it was. He still wasn’t certain whether he’d made her life better, or worse, by his actions.

Alright. I listened to you. He told Samuel. Now it’s your turn.

Samuel rolled his eyes wearily.

Nathan continued. "This matter is settled between us. I don’t want to hear anything more about it. You don’t want to have anything to do with us. Fine. I can live with that. Very easily, in fact. There’s a supply of tinned food and bottled water outside. I’ll bring some of it in here before we leave so you don’t just lay there and die in your bed.

Other than that, we don’t owe you anything more. I’ll bring the jeep over in the morning. I did give it to you, after all. For now, Cara and I will clear her things out of the shack and be on our way.

Samuel sputtered. You can’t just take what you like! Everything in this compound belongs to me!

Nathan opened his hand to reveal the key. Not everything.

Then he was turning to leave. He half expected Cara would linger to say something to the old man. Despite the way he had treated her recently, she still had a soft spot for him. But she didn’t hesitate and the look she gave the old man was one of relief and triumph mixed. She was turning to follow Nathan before the old man could say anything.

Outside, Nathan turned to her only to find her throwing herself into his arms.

You did it! She whispered fiercely. You did it!

He wrapped his arms around her tightly. We did it!

Her eyes were bright with tears. I didn’t think he’d actually give me up that easily. I thought he’d fight it.

Nathan glanced at the trailer and then smiled down at her. So did I, but I don’t think he has much fight left in him.

Her face hardened momentarily, a look he wasn’t accustomed to seeing on her. It serves him right.

Perhaps. Nathan agreed. But he’s on his own now. That’s what his foolishness has got him.

She shook her grim mood as the reality hit her. Nathan! I belong to you now!

Her face was so lit up with happiness that Nathan forced himself to smile, despite feeling a twisting in his gut. His performance was not quite convincing enough.

Nathan? You do want this, don’t you? You do want me? She sounded suddenly afraid and uncertain.

Of course I want you! He told her. Don’t doubt that for even a moment. But you know I have some… concerns… over this whole slave/owner business.

She nodded. I know. And I know you want me to be something else. But right now, I can only be what I can be.

He nodded and squeezed her tightly. I know. Just bear with me, okay. Owning someone else takes a bit of mental adjustment on my part!

She smiled hesitantly, still uncertain as to how he was taking it.

Idiot! He told himself. You’ve got the girl! Don’t screw it up now!

What now? She asked.

I might as well go with the flow.

Now, slave, we go and get your stuff from the shack and get out of here.

He said it lightly, not intending her to take the word slave remotely seriously, but she tensed up anyway and then a delighted grin split her face.

God help me!

Actually, He added. Why don’t you go and make a start on gathering your things together. I’ll take Samuel some of these supplies, as I said I would. I’ll be over presently.

She nodded happily and skipped off towards her shack, her step ridiculously light for someone who’d just been handed over from one man to another. Nathan looked down at the key in his hand.

God help me! Nathan muttered quietly. If there’s a hell, I’m going to burn in it!

Then, thrusting the key into a pocket, he turned and grabbed a case of bottled water.

*****

Samuel eyed him warily as he deposited the pack of water bottles on the floor next to the old man’s bed. The little knife that Nathan had given the old man to cut the key’s thong still lay on the bedcover where the old man had dropped it.

Nathan picked it up and slit open the plastic wrapping the bottles. He pulled one out and broke open the seal, then placed it on the nightstand next to the bed.

That should stop you dying of thirst, at least. He told Samuel. I’ll get you some canned goods as well. He dropped the little knife onto the nightstand. Might as well keep that, too.

What is this? Samuel croaked. Some kind of guilt over leaving me here in this condition?

Nathan shrugged. You were the one who wanted everyone out. I’m just giving you a kick start until you’re well enough to fend for yourself.

He returned to the yard and put together an assortment of cans that had ring-pulls. Samuel was likely too weak to get even those open, but there was no chance he’d manage to work a can-opener. He returned to the trailer and put those near the bed as well.

So this is it? Samuel said. The final farewell?

If you want to call it that. Nathan agreed. But I think we went our separate ways a while back.

The old man chuckled humourlessly. Odd to think that, even after all this time, after society has gone to hell and the world to shit, all it takes to put two men at odds is a woman.

It wasn’t her that drove a wedge between us. Nathan reminded him. You did that all by yourself.

Perhaps, but she was the root of it all. Samuel nodded. If the situation was reversed, you’d have done much the same as I did.

Nathan shook his head. I’m nothing like you.

Really? Samuel shrugged. Well, I hope you never have to put that assertion to the test. If she ever gets bored of you or finds someone more interesting, I think you’ll find you and I aren’t so different.

Nathan gave him a withering look. You don’t have a high opinion of most people, do you?

Samuel shrugged again. Most people are idiots. You kick ‘em and they get right up and say thank you. It takes strength to say fuck you and walk away.

So, now you’re the strong one? Nathan found the old man’s posturing amusing. Well then, fine. I salute you as the stronger man! Now, if you’ll excuse me, oh mighty one, I have other things to do than stand here and listen to you try and justify yourself.

He turned and headed to the trailer door.

Nathan! Samuel’s voice was hoarse and weak, giving his cry a pitiful sound, rather than the commanding tone he’d aimed for. Nevertheless, Nathan favoured him by turning to listen.

What now?

Watch your back. It’s dangerous out there.

Nathan almost burst out laughing. The old man’s parting threat was childish and unrealistic. But he managed to keep his composure long enough to throw back a retort that he knew would sting the old man.

That’s the thing, Samuel. I have friends to watch my back. How about you?

Then he was gone.

*****

When he reached the shack, Cara was standing looking lost amid what had, for years, been her home. She didn’t need to say anything for him to understand immediately what she was feeling.

The shack had been possibly the first place that she had ever felt safe. A place that she had considered to be her place. Her place, with her rules, organised as she wanted. Now Samuel had effectively thrown her out she was feeling frightened and vulnerable again. She didn’t have anywhere that she felt she belonged.

He went over to her and wrapped his arms around her from behind. She leaned back into him, wrapping her arms over his.

It’ll be alright. He told her softly.

She squeezed his arm. I know. It’s just… a bit scary, that’s all.

Change always is. He told her. But sometimes, it’s necessary.

She nodded and began to pull free from him. I’d better get my things sorted. I just wish I could take everything.

What about this? He asked, pulling the key from his pocket.

She looked at it with a curious mixture of nervousness and desire. You have to keep it. It needs to be with you. I’ll tie it around your neck.

Nathan felt the sticky, sweat-soaked thong with his fingers. Not with this bit of leather, you don’t! It is rank. Find something else.

For a moment she looked helpless, then her face brightened. Oh! I know. She went to the little cupboard under the window and pulled the doors open.

Nathan pulled the sweaty thong free of the key and dropped it on the cut-down table. He wiped his hands on his jeans leg in distaste.

Leather was probably rotting, anyway. He reflected. He had a brief mental image of him wearing the key on the thong and the leather snapping at some point, causing the loss of the key down a drainage grating, or something. For some reason that was far more alarming a notion than it should have been.

Cara let out a little sound of triumph and turned to reveal a long shoelace clutched in her hand.

A shoelace? Seriously? He smiled.

She frowned. It will do for now. This is only until… She broke off, blushing a little.

Until we do whatever it is you want to do with that collar I got you? Nathan finished. She nodded shyly.

Right. You’re the boss! He smiled and held out the key to her. She took it and threaded the shoelace through it.

The feel of her hands around his neck was very pleasurable as she tied the shoelace off with one of her trademark crazy knots.

You know. He grinned, putting his hands around her waist. Now that you officially belong to me, there is something that we’ve been putting off.

She looked up at him, her eyes full of longing but also a little afraid. I know. But I want everything to be done right.

Nathan frowned. You want to wait until we’ve changed this… He tapped the rusting iron collar. For the one I found?

She nodded, a little embarrassed. It’s silly, I know. But this… She raised a hand to her collar. …has a lot of unpleasant memories attached to it. I’d like to wait, if that’s alright.

Her last few words were spoken very quietly, almost as if she were afraid to make a request.

She’s spent so long having no choice in anything, that it is still a novelty. He thought. And a frightening novelty at that.

Of course it’s alright. He smiled gently at her. We’ve waited this long. I think we can tough it out a little longer.

Not much longer. She promised, her eyes warm.

He grinned. I hope not! Otherwise we’re in for another messy night at some point!

Her eyes lost focus as she recalled the night they had both lost a little control. Her mouth curled into a mischievous grin.

That was a little weird. She admitted.

He snorted. Yeah. Enjoyable, though. Well, if you keep us both waiting too much longer, you can expect something similar. Just thought I’d warn you!

She laughed. If I wake up and… well, I guess there’s worse things that could happen.

Well, in that case… He slipped his hands under her shirt and fondled her breasts.

She half gasped and half giggled as she pulled away. Don’t we have other things to do?

Nathan sighed. I guess.

Cara nodded. I won’t take long. She turned reluctantly away from him and began to take stock of her meagre possessions.

Nathan glanced around the shack. It was as familiar to him by then as it was to Cara. Even he felt sad to be leaving it behind. He had thought of it as his home for a while