Sojourn-Enclave

By B. D. Messick

Atlanta is within striking distance.

The four companions continue forging a path through the Beastlands, battling both the jungle and its inhabitants as they make their way toward the Enclave and a final confrontation with Jacob and his followers.

As the bond between Alee and Trace grows stronger, the last whispers of doubt Rayn had about him are left miles behind. In her heart, she knows he would lay down his life to protect any one of them, but she needs to make sure that that never happens.

With a renewed sense of purpose, and Luk standing by her side, as he always has, Rayn promises herself that they will all make it back to Graceland and the future that awaits them there.

But first, the embattled city of Birmingham blocks their way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Melange Books, LLC
• Release date: Mar 14, 2017
• ISBN: 9781680464061

B. D. Messick

B.D. Messick was born in Baltimore, years and years ago. He has held a lot of jobs in his lifetime, including retail professional, board game designer, and even farm hand (best job ever).He currently resides somewhere in the Pittsburgh area where he spends his time writing as much as possible while cleaning up after FAR too many cats.

Book preview

SOJOURN-ENCLAVE

by B. D. Messick

There is a reckoning coming.

Atlanta is within striking distance.

The four companions continue forging a path through the Beastlands, battling both the jungle and its inhabitants as they make their way toward the Enclave and a final confrontation with Jacob and his followers.

As the bond between Alee and Trace grows stronger, the last whispers of doubt Rayn had about him are left miles behind. In her heart, she knows he would lay down his life to protect any one of them, but she needs to make sure that that never happens.

With a renewed sense of purpose, and Luk standing by her side, as he always has, Rayn promises herself that they will all make it back to Graceland and the future that awaits them there.

But first, the embattled city of Birmingham blocks their way.

Table of Contents

Sojourn-Enclave

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

About the Author

Previews

Chapter One

Have I made a mistake?

I kick out with my left leg, slamming my foot into his right knee. He crumples to the ground, screaming out in pain before I plunge my knife into his neck. Blood sprays out of the mortal wound, splashing onto my shirt and face.

Have I doomed us all?

Alee screams and I whip my head around just in time to see her sling two knives in my direction. They fly past me, one on each side, striking two separate targets just behind me. Each collapse in a heap. She nods at me and I manage a small smile before pulling my pistol and firing at two assailants rushing at Luk. The first falls dead, while the second, wounded in the shoulder, slams into him, knocking them both to the ground.

Maybe we should have just stayed in Graceland like Luk wanted.

Trace appears out of nowhere and leaps onto the attacker, swinging his bola like a mace. The heavy ball strikes home and his target tumbles off Luk onto the ground.

This is my fault.

Is that it? Luk yells over to me as he gets to his feet.

That’s it, I reply, wiping the blood off my face.

Is everyone all right? Trace asks, walking directly over to Alee and taking her hand.

Everyone nods, and Luk steps up to me and gently touches my face with the hem of his shirt.

Just a little something there, he says, smiling grimly.

Thanks.

We need to do something, Alee says. We can’t stay here anymore.

I know they’re looking to me to lead them, to tell them what to do and to get it done, but I’ve no idea what to do. We’ve been camped out on the road overlooking Birmingham for two days, and we’re no closer to formulating a plan to make it through the city. Worse than that, we’ve been attacked by roving bands of thugs three times. Eventually, they’re likely to send a larger force to investigate the disappearance of their men.

I stare into the faces of my compatriots; Luk, loyal to a fault, Alee, the fiercest of our group, and Trace, who I now believe would lay down his life for any of us, and I realize something. These are more than friends, more than traveling companions, they’re all family. I need to put aside my doubts and move us forward to get us to our goal...and back.

You’re right, I say to Alee. We need to make our move now.

So, what’s the plan? Luk asks, leaning in a little closer.

I’ve studied all the maps in my head, over and over. The city is only about twelve miles across. We could normally make that in less than one day.

But?

But it’s not going to be that easy.

What is? Trace says, his back to us as he watches for any other intruders.

Come on, I say as the four of us climb up the sloping hill to the end of the abandoned highway that overlooks the city. We all lay down in the grass, supporting ourselves on our elbows. I point toward the city. Most of the taller buildings in town have collapsed, on their own, or on purpose. It’s created a dangerous maze of rubble with plenty of points perfect for ambushes.

What about skirting around the downtown area? Luk asks.

A lot of that’s worse. There are barricades on all the main roads, and patrols of fighters roam through the battered remains of the houses and businesses.

Well, what about going around the city altogether? Luk asks, looking over at me.

I sigh. There’s no cover at all. We’d have to go at least ten miles north or south to find an area where we could safely cross, and with these mutated plants, not to mention the rippers, I’m not sure that’s a great idea.

So what do you suggest? Alee asks.

I look at all of them, one at a time before speaking.

I think we need to go directly through the city.

No one says anything for a few moments, and I’m about to start explaining my reason when Luk speaks up.

Sounds good, he says, winking at me before looking at Alee and Trace.

Maybe we should vote on it, I say, a bit of doubt creeping into my voice.

I don’t know about Trace, but we don’t need to vote. You’ve kept us safe so far, so if you think the city is the best choice, I’m with you, Alee says.

Trace nods at me.

When do we do this? Luk asks.

I think tomorrow morning. It’s too dangerous to try and make it through that mess in the dark.

The three of them nod in agreement, and I feel the heavy weight on my chest get a little heavier.

I say we retreat back down the road so we can get some real rest tonight, as well as try and find something for dinner and maybe stock up on our food supplies, Luk suggests.

Good idea. Let’s go, I say as we all scramble back down the hill.

* * * *

We move about two miles down the road, to the edge of the dead-zone as I’ve been calling it. While Alee and I set up camp, Luk and Trace head out to see what they can find for dinner and for our meals for the next few days. We cut dozens of low hanging branches off a grouping of pine trees, dragging them back to camp and piling them up until we have an impressive collection.

Start putting those up between the trees, I say to Alee, pointing to the natural ring of small oaks and maples surrounding our camp site.

She begins propping the evergreen limbs up, layering them carefully and intertwining the pliable branches to create a wall of sorts.

Why are we doing this again? she asks.

To hide us as much as possible, especially the fire.

Rippers.

Exactly.

Good thinking. I knew there’s a reason you’re in charge, she says before heading back to work.

I sigh and shake my head. I don’t want to be in charge. I don’t want to be responsible for keeping everyone safe, but we all have burdens to bear. I move to help Alee, and within a few minutes we have our camouflage walls constructed. It certainly won’t keep a hunter, or ripper out, but maybe it’ll keep us hidden. I thought about heading back to Jasper’s place, but that just means covering those miles tomorrow.

Not long after, Luk and Trace return with two small deer and an impressive collection of nuts, berries, and various greens. I notice how Alee looks at Trace when he walks back into our camp, and how similar his reaction is; there’s even a bit of hand holding, although they stop whenever they think Luk or I are looking at them.

* * * *

After a satisfying dinner and time spent drying the remaining meat, Trace and Alee are sitting side-by-side next to one of the larger trees playing some sort of game with a pair of dice that she found some time ago. The fire has nearly died out, and we make no attempt to restart it. The air is warm, and it has no use now, other than to attract unwanted visitors. I’m leaning back against Luk, laying between his legs while I rest my head on his chest. This is my favorite time of the day; the few moments when a sense of quiet calm settles over us. The first of the stars are just starting to emerge, although the thick canopy of leaves high above our heads obscures most of them.

Luk strokes my hair gently, his fingers slipping through the strands.

Do you think going through the city is the right move? I ask quietly.

I don’t know, he replies after a slight pause.

That’s not helpful.

What do you want me to say, Rayn? All we can do is make a decision and then follow that road as far as we can.

But what if it’s not the right road? I ask, not really sure what I want to hear.

Then we turn onto a new road.

For a few moments, I just stare up at the darkening sky that manages to peek through the leaves.

And if there’s no place to turn?

Then we go straight through, together, he replies while slipping his hand down my side and taking my fingers in his.

Chapter Two

By early morning, we’re back at the ramp, staring down at the city. Smoke rises in slender columns from several locations. We’ve seen them every day, and they all merge into a massive black cloud that hangs low over the ruins of the city.

Okay, so which way? Luk asks.

We go down the hill, and continue following the old highway, I say pointing off into the distance. According to the maps, this portion of the road looks like it was abandoned years before the collapse.

And after that? Alee asks, looking at me.

I’m not sure. We can follow 65 into the city or use the smaller side roads in the outlying neighborhoods to eventually make our way to Interstate 20.

And 20 takes us to Atlanta.

Yep, I reply.

Well, let’s get moving, Luk says, as we all start scrambling down the weed-choked hillside.

When we reach the bottom, I stop and look at the rest of the group.

It’s going to get bad in here. Your number one priority is to stay alive. No heroic last stands, okay? If you need to run, then run. You understand?

They all nod, but I can see by the expressions on their faces that my words mean little. I know they will all stay to defend any one of us that falls.

How far is it to 20? Trace asks.

I’m thinking just about two miles.

We can cover that easily.

Yeah, but we have to take this slow. Stick to the trees and the buildings, and stay under cover as much as possible. If we spot anyone, give them a chance to pass by. A shot or a scream can bring more, I say, preaching to the choir.

We know, Alee says gently, smiling at me.

I know you know. I just want to be sure.

The old, abandoned portion of the highway is barely visible beneath a carpet of wildflowers, little shrubs, and saplings. There are no buildings, no signs, no man-made structures within sight. The larger trees and old telephone poles that border the road are the only thing that define the now extinct highway. We stick close to the trees, darting between the trunks, keeping an eye out in all directions. The area seems quiet and devoid of inhabitants, but looks can be deceiving.

I feel tense and on edge as we slowly make our way down the old road. Eventually, the remains of a neighborhood of houses appears on the right side of the road. Most of them are nothing more than burned out shells, or cracked and pitted concrete slabs. Only one or two even resemble their former selves. No one even suggests scavenging as we move past the sad sight. Up ahead, I spot the remains of Interstate 65 running north to south through the city, and we stop, surveying the damage from a distance. All of the ramps, bridges, and overpasses are completely destroyed. It’s no different from so many other scenes that we’ve come upon, but somehow, this seems worse.

Much of the destruction we’ve witnessed was caused by years of neglect, combined with the forces of nature ripping and tearing at the foundations of our constructions, but this is completely man-made. It’s obvious from the shattered concrete, to the twisted and mangled steel, that explosives, both large and small did this.

For a while, after the fall, there was a struggle to reclaim what had been lost, but in the process, we destroyed what was left. How can we recover, when we purposely wreak havoc in the name of power and control? There’s no point in being in charge of an empire of rubble when we’ve lost the ability to rebuild.

Luk walks up next to me and touches my hand.

What’s the matter?

Nothing, I reply, looking at him for a moment.

It’s not nothing; something’s bothering you.

My shoulders slump and I sigh before looking at Trace and Alee bringing up the rear.

When I see things like this, I say, gesturing toward the destruction with my head. I don’t have much hope for us as a species.

Luk looks at the destroyed bridges and roadways that will never see another car, and then he looks back at me.

The ones who did this are gone, wiped away by the violence they created. It’s a new beginning now. We have a chance to start over.

A new beginning, or just the final chapter? I ask, frowning.

Luk shrugs at me. It is what we make of it.

I shake my head. Always the optimist.

Someone has to be. Come on, let’s keep moving.

He takes my hand and we start weaving, climbing, and crawling our way through the carnage. It takes us much longer than I expect to make it to the other side of the former highway, and by the time we do, we’re all exhausted.

Let’s take a break, I suggest, pointing to a particularly large portion of the bridge that used to pass over 65.

We all shuffle over to the wreckage. It’s laying on its side, throwing a large shadow across the soft, green grass that is slowly taking over the area. Alee and Trace drop their packs and collapse onto the ground while Luk and I sit down and lean back against the cold, hard concrete.

Which way, do you think? he asks. Still keep following the highway, or go straight east?

I flip the images of the area through my head, trying to decide which way might offer the easiest going, but it’s no use. So much has changed that it’s impossible to know.

I think we head east, forget the highway, I reply, although I’m full of doubt about my choice. It should be easier to stay hidden from prying eyes.

That’s probably true, he says before placing his hand on my leg and squeezing gently.

I look at him and smile. Come on, let’s get on the move.

We get Alee and Trace, leaving the wreckage of the highway behind, and plunge into the young forest of thin saplings and small shrubs. Thankfully I don’t see any of the nasty, grabbing vines that we encountered on the road. We make good time, even without having to use the machete. Not far from the road, we suddenly come upon an old chain link fence barring our way forward. I grab the rusting metal with my gloved hand and tug, but the barrier is stubborn and only wavers slightly.

You think we can climb it? Trace asks.

Looking up at the razor wire running along the top, I shake my head.

Probably not worth risking getting hurt. Let’s check down this way to see if there’s a hole, or a gate.

We turn north and follow the fence for a few minutes with no luck. Peering in through a gap in the tightly woven vines that have enveloped the entire barrier, I can see the remains of a few metal buildings, as well as the rusting hulks of a dozen or so construction vehicles.

How big is this place? Luk asks.

I shake my head. No idea. It’s not on any of the maps.

Does it look like anyone’s in there? Alee asks, pulling some of the vines away to get a look inside.

I don’t think so. It’s just a sturdy fence.

Well, let’s keep moving. It has to end somewhere.

I nod at Luk and we start moving again. It’s only a few minutes later when the twisted remains of the gates come into view. I signal everyone to stop and we kneel down in the waist high grass as I study the opening. Taller grasses and a few small trees are growing in the old road that used to lead inside, but it’s clear that no one has passed through this entrance in years.

Okay. Let’s go, I say as I rise to my feet and move forward.

Oddly, the gates look like they were forced open from the inside.

Do you want to go check it out? Trace asks as we stand peering inside.

From our new vantage point, I can see a collection of police vehicles, ambulances, and even a couple military jeeps and trucks parked outside the largest building. I spot something in the grass and bend down, pushing aside the weeds. When I open my hand, there’s a dozen or more spent shell casings in my palm.

They were trying to keep something inside, I say, dropping the copper colored cylinders.

But what? Alee asks.

Who knows, plague victims, prisoners, ordinary people?

I’m sure it’s been picked over. Besides, there may not be another gate on the other side, Luk says.

Yeah. Let’s just find the end and go around.

Sure, Alee says, still keeping a wary eye on the vehicles inside.

We continue heading north along the fence, until eventually finding the end where we’re able to turn east again. I keep glancing inside as we walk, spotting some additional details that send a chill down my spine, including the remains of a cement wall pot-marked with bullet holes and several large mounds, now covered over with grass and weeds and a few scattered wildflowers.

It doesn’t take long before we finally reach the eastern edge of the enclosure and the remains of a small road, running north to south. Without asking, I turn north and the others follow. This little road is barely more than a path through the woods. A few telephone poles help keep us on track. A few hundred yards further on, I spot the remains of a dilapidated, grey building on the right side of the road peeking out from behind a tangled mass of small saplings and tall grasses. A little further on, the ruins of more small houses peek out of the encroaching forest. None of the buildings look safe or appear like they would hold anything of value. We follow the remains of the street until we reach an intersection of sorts. It’s more of the crossing of two faint paths through the trees than two streets coming together.

This way, I say, turning right and heading east again.

We pass an old street sign with the faded words ‘47th Ave. N’ standing crookedly on our right. As soon as we make the turn, I stop, raising my hand before crouching down in the street.

What? Luk whispers to me.

House up there, I reply, pointing over the tall grasses bordering the road.

Luk cranes his neck and nods. Red roof, he says.

I nod. Yeah.

What about it?

Look how nice it looks. Someone lives there.

So, what do we do?

All of the surrounding houses and open spaces are choked with weeds, small trees, and debris, including rusting cars, collapsed fences and other debris. We could try and scramble our way through, but that might draw more attention than my plan.

We just walk by, I say.

Just walk by, Luk repeats.

Yes. I’ve done this before, trust me, I say, thinking back to my odd encounter with the woman at the isolated house.

What about our weapons? Alee asks.

Carry them, but at your sides.

You sure about this? Luk asks, frowning.

As sure as I can be.

That’s good enough for me, Luk replies, touching my shoulder and standing as I do.

I pull my pistol as the others do the same with their weapons. Carrying it at my side, I take a deep breath and we start down the street.

Keep on this side, I say, moving us to the opposite side of the road from the house.

As we draw closer, it becomes clear that someone does indeed, live here. The grass is cut low, and flowers are planted along the sides of the cracked sidewalk leading to the front door. The house is white, and although the paint is peeling a little in some places, it’s obvious that the property is well cared for. The bright red roof makes the house stand out, and it makes me wonder how this person has managed to remain under the radar of the local warring parties. It’s not until we’re just passing directly in front of the house that I notice the man standing on the front porch.

He’s massive, at least six feet tall with huge arms and a chest full of muscles that are obvious even beneath his blue button down shirt. Luk looks at me and I nod before turning my head and looking at Trace and Alee.

We see him. Just keep walking.

When I look back at the man, he nods at me and I return the gesture, but he makes no further moves. A few moments later, as we leave the house behind, Luk reaches out and touches my hand.

Okay, that was nerve-wracking.

That’s for sure.

At the end of the street, we emerge onto a much larger road that still retains some of its original pavement. A vine-covered sign with a 31 painted on its rusting face, stands on the other side of the highway.

Do you know where we are? Luk asks.

I’m about to answer when the sound of something approaching from the south makes me freeze in place.

Off the road, I hiss to everyone.

I grab Alee’s shirt and start dragging her along with me. We throw ourselves into the tall weeds and shrubs growing a few feet off the highway. Luk is lying next to me, his knife gripped firmly in his hand. A second later we hear boots on the asphalt as a group of people approaches. I look over at Alee and Trace, raising my finger to my