The Outcasts

PROLOGUE

New Dawn

Nature chose to flex its muscles. The torrential downpour hammered Kyan, Iris and Alex, forcing them to seek shelter. For Kyan, the delay played havoc with his emotions. His effort to reach Nera as soon as possible came to a standstill, causing him to curse the whims of nature.

For two days the three of them crouched in misery in a small cave, waiting for the deluge to end. On the morning of the third day, the sun rose over a world of sodden trees and muddy ground. It added to their misery as they slogged beneath dripping leaves on soggy trails. By the time they reached cave bear territory several days later, they were forced to wait for hours deep in the forest to avoid a pair of giants battling over a female. The behemoths roared until the ground shook as they went at each other. When it was over, one limped away to nurse its wounds, while the other claimed his new mate.

Alex’s face filled with awe. That was unbelievable.

How many are out there? Iris asked Kyan.

More than I care to think about, he replied. Nera told me they inhabit the high plateaus of this mountain from one end to the other. Do you see the dark holes in the bluff? Those are caves. It’s where they hibernate during the cold months.

Alex eyed the distant caves. They’re all awake now?

Yeah, Kyan answered. Every last one of them.

After a quick discussion, they decided not to use the metal disks Meran had provided and use stealth instead. With just the three of them, it seemed to be the better choice. The ferocious fight had scattered the bears, giving them a narrow window to get up the slope into the ravine. Once inside, they traveled fast and silently, reaching the upper part of the gorge without incident. Alex and Iris collapsed next to Kyan when they paused to rest. The hurried climb, the constant wariness of any dark openings, and the punishing pace Kyan set added to their exhaustion.

I can’t believe you and Nera did this alone, Alex commented as he sat on the rocky ground.

Kyan grinned, deciding not to tell them about the time Siki growled a warning, causing Nera and him to hide while they listened to sounds on the other side of the ravine from what might have been an even larger creature. Big guys, aren’t they? They make grizzlies look like young cubs.

Iris rested her head on the rock wall behind her. I can’t believe you ran into one of those when you were alone.

Well, I had to practically leap off a cliff to get away, so I get points for that.

The three of them looked at each other and began to laugh.

When his sides hurt too much to laugh anymore, Kyan pointed up to the end of the gorge. See that narrow slot up there? Once we’re through it, we won’t have to worry about them anymore. They’re too big to follow us.

Iris got to her feet. Then I’ll feel better when we’re on the other side.

An hour later they squeezed through. Conversation stopped as they fought their way through a narrow canyon of ferocious winds.

Kyan waited for Alex and Iris’s reaction when they reached the end. They stepped out to view the other side of the mountain for the first time.

Iris shaded her eyes, staring with disappointment. It’s not very different.

Kyan chuckled. Well, there are a few things here we don’t have on our side, but I’ll tell you about them later.

Iris gave him a mock frown. Somehow I don’t think I’m going to like what you’re holding back.

Alex moved ahead, looking at the ground which consisted of defiant stubs of grass growing out of the rock-strewn soil. He called back to Kyan and Iris. I found a camp. They joined him as he studied the remnants of a campfire. I think we’re only two or three days behind them. We might have caught them sooner if we hadn’t been delayed by that storm and the bear fight.

Iris eyed Kyan with concern. What are you going to say to Nera when we catch up?

Kyan sighed. I want to hear why she left without telling me. Then I’m going to kiss her.

Alex looked at the sky. We should stay here tonight. It’s getting late.

They set up camp, and after a quick meal, turned in early to catch up on their sleep.

The next morning, they took a few extra minutes to make tea and eat some dried meat before packing up. Kyan set off at a punishing pace, hoping to reach Nera before she got to her village. The urgency to reach her spurred him headlong down the mountain toward the distant plains.

Nera stood with Siki at her side watching the small group of hunters approach. She searched for her intended life-mate Tegan, but didn’t see him. Had he changed that much? An older man separated from the group, stepping forward. His gray eyes searched until they found her.

You might not remember me. My name is Rogen. I’m here to escort you back to the city. He turned to Beldon. It’s good to see you again.

Beldon nodded. So, you’re still one of Oberon’s advisors?

Rogen inclined his head. I am. Oberon has been looking forward to welcoming Nera back to our city.

Where’s Tegan? Beldon asked, scanning the group.

For a moment, Rogen looked uncomfortable. He’s away. He’ll be there in time for the ceremony. He turned when the village leader made her way to him. Ah, Retha. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you. You look well.

I am well. Welcome to our village. Her expression was curious. A young man usually comes to escort his future mate.

Rogen shrugged, avoiding her direct look. A matter of urgency has kept him away. He hesitated. Oberon and Tegan have had their differences in the past, but we’re all looking forward to this union.

Nera felt a surge of panic at his words. How would everyone react when she tried to back out of the agreement? Would Oberon still be willing to trade the firestones? She glanced over at her grandparents. Hank and Lana frowned. Lana looked like she wanted to say something. Nera gave a slight shake of her head.

Tegan is still agreeable? Retha asked with raised brows.

Rogen hesitated. Of course. He looked around at the gathering crowd. I’m anxious to start the trip back.

Beldon cleared his throat. We planned a feast to welcome you.

Rogen’s stern expression relaxed. I was told to return without delay, but I think we can make time. My men are weary from the trip.

Nera breathed easier. Any postponement was welcome to her.

Lana beckoned to her. Come with me.

Nera followed her, leaving her parents to deal with Rogen and his group.

You need to tell your mother, father and Retha.

Nera set her jaw with stubbornness. I can’t tell them until I talk to Tegan.

Lana spoke gently. What about Kyan?

Nera swallowed the lump in her throat. If I can’t persuade Tegan to accept my withdrawal from our promise, I’ll have to forget Kyan.

They’ll wonder why you don’t have your status talisman.

Nera touched the long tooth hidden beneath her tunic. She’d given its twin to Kyan. I’ll tell them I lost it.

Lana sighed. I ache for you, child.

It’s all right, Grandmother. I’ll be fine. Kyan will find someone else. We’ll both be fine. With that said, she burst into tears.

CHAPTER 1

Second Largest Green Zone

Wren hurried through the dark passage she knew well, her footsteps confident on the old train tracks. The pitch-black tunnels no longer made her tremble with fear. She’d convinced herself she’d overcome her phobia about the black void.

Years ago, the once sprawling passages had been reduced to a limited network, sealed to keep the scourge from traveling beneath the ground. Stations boarded up with warning signs prohibited entrance due to tunnel collapses. It was enough to intimidate anyone from trying to go below. No one knew a few tunnels beneath the inner city remained open. Cutter, the leader of their crew, had helped seal them. With that knowledge the crew could travel freely beneath the city. The streets above had roving bands of militia. They were more frightening than the dark.

She came to a halt when she reached the first of the deserted trains. Graffiti covered the sides of the once immaculate white railcars as they sat on the tracks, doomed to an eternity of waiting while they fell to ruin. Wren tried to remember riding one, but like everything nowadays memories faded.

She picked her way across the rails, walking past the eerie behemoths as she made her way into the next gloomy passageway. Just before the dim light from the station ended, she stopped at a door. She felt for the key hidden behind a loose brick. It took just a moment to unlock the entrance to the utility tunnel and return the key to its hiding place. She flipped the deadbolt inside to lock it behind her before starting down the dusty steps.

She travelled deeper than that first timid trip into the underground railway. Her route now took her far below the once busy stations. There was no exit from the main tunnel to Cutter’s building, so this was the only way below ground to get to it. The stygian black utility tunnel might be scary with its tangle of pipes and cables clinging to the rough brick walls like giant spider webs, but at least there was no one to frown at her in disapproving silence.

Months ago, when she’d joined the crew and made her first trip into the tunnels, fear had dogged her footsteps. The faint sounds of things scampering in the dark had made her skin pebble with goosebumps, causing her to jump at every scrape and skitter. The crew member assigned to show her around had been silent and taciturn, speaking only when necessary to give her warnings or information. With a small shudder, she remembered how she hurried toward the comforting dim light of each station, trembling with fear, while he stood silent, waiting for her to calm down and find her courage. She travelled alone between her home and Cutter’s building where the crew lived. For the rest of her runs, her disapproving guide accompanied her.

Still wary of the dark, she’d retrieved a supply of citronella torches from a looted hardware store. Wedged into the walls every fifty or so feet, they kept the blackness pushed back. She gave a brief snort. No mosquitoes down here. No rats either since they preferred the main tunnel above.

She lit each torch as she came to it, so that they left a string of pale beacons to guide her. She would put them out on her return trip. They left behind a lemony-floral scent that fought a losing battle with the musty passageway.

She came to the last torch, lighting it with a scrape of a match, so it illuminated the old door. She retrieved another key from behind a loose brick to unlock it. The metal portal no longer squeaked as it opened, since Cutter had scavenged a can of oil and applied it to its hinges. As she did with the other door, she returned the key to its hiding place, turning the deadbolt on the inside.

A set of concrete steps led up and another led down. She’d never been in the lowest tunnel. Cutter said it had been cut deep into the bedrock. An earthquake had collapsed the passage. No one had been down there in decades. Brushing off a sudden chill, she turned her back on the lower stairs and began to climb.

When she reached the old storeroom, she stepped inside the small cinderblock chamber equipped with a row of rusty lockers and an empty worktable. Another door across the room connected to the basement of an old apartment building, which allowed workers from years ago to gain access to this room and the tunnels below.

When the scourge was at its peak, the building had been evacuated. For the past year it served as headquarters and home for the crew. She crossed the storeroom to pull open the door leading into the basement. An old, broken vending machine stood a few feet away, its contents long gone. The rest of the large basement contained dusty boxes, several rolls of old carpet, and a few pieces of broken furniture. A huge furnace with assorted mechanical equipment squatted at the far end.

She crossed to another set of stairs, continuing her climb, passing the street level and going up six more floors. Cutter and his crew had the run of the whole building. This part of the city lay closest to the toxic barrier, so no one wanted to live here. It was a perfect place to keep off the militia’s radar.

Wren reached the top floor, pushed open the door, and stepped out into a long hallway. The carpet was dusty, but still plush enough to cushion her footsteps. She made her way to the last door. At her soft knock, a shadow blocked the peephole. The door swung open.

You’re right on time.

Wren stepped inside. I’m always on time.

A deep chuckle came from the old man, who moved from behind the door. Cutter was all sinew and stringy muscles with a head of thick, gray dreadlocks. He stood four inches over six feet and towered over Wren. His dark, ugly, pockmarked face with its broad lump of a nose might have caused anyone to keep their distance, but not her. He was her friend. She hugged him and he patted her back awkwardly. He always seemed surprised at her show of affection.

I’ve made us some coffee, he announced with a smile.

Wren gaped. You have coffee?

He rubbed his knobby hands together and said with a sly wink, A recent acquisition. He limped into the small kitchen. Moving to the stove, he poured her a generous cup from a dented pot. An injury to his hip on a run last year left him unable to go out any longer.

Wren grinned. She took off her baseball cap, running her hand through her short cap of brown curls. She shrugged out of her backpack.

He pushed the cup toward her as she sat down at his small table. We should enjoy what we can while we can still find it. He smiled. Go ahead.

She’d never had coffee before. Wiping her hands on her worn jeans, she picked up the cup. Her first sip was tentative. She let it sit in her mouth a moment before swallowing.

Cutter watched her. Well, what do you think?

Wren took another taste. It tastes like chocolate, she murmured.

He beamed. Good guess. I shaved part of a candy bar into it to give it a sweeter taste for you.

Wren settled back to enjoy it. She looked around the kitchen. It was neat as a pin and clean. Canned goods lined the shelves and every available space on the countertop. A basket sat on the table filled with a variety of vegetables. At his nod, she reached out to pick up a carrot. I can’t believe you were able to grow these.

It was a challenge. Finish your coffee and I’ll show you my latest.

She took another sip, her gaze drawn to the window. She would never get used to the view. Beyond the buildings across the street lay an endless ocean of black. Along its edge as far as the eye could see lay a fifty-foot-wide barrier of blood-red chemicals. The toxic soup kept the scourge from taking over the rest of the city.

Long ago there had been distant rolling hills of green where small towns once flourished. The sprawling suburbs that once surrounded the city were now covered in black sludge, leaving only grotesque lumps with no defined shape. The large city had shrunk to a quarter of its original size, leaving several square blocks of deserted buildings surrounding the inner core of its once prosperous business district.

During the early days, the mayor proved to be weak and ill-prepared for the chaos around him as starvation and sickness spread throughout his city. With few people left to enforce the law, a group of military deserters rose to power. Criminals of all sorts merged with them, forming a militia that visited more chaos on the city. Their leader, a man called Fortman, inspired fear in the hearts of everyone. They took over the food banks, then looted and murdered without restraint with no one left to stop them.

Wren had been on her own since her mother went out to get food one day. She never returned, leaving her fourteen-year-old daughter to fend for herself in a city filled with desperate, starving people. That was three years ago. Since then, relentless starvation or sickness had taken everyone but a few small pockets of survivors, outcasts who fought to survive by helping each other.

Wren?

She snapped out of her thoughts.

Cutter touched her hand. What are you thinking?

Wren picked up her cup. Nothing. Just trying to remember how things used to be. Her thoughts were somber. What’s going to happen to us? she asked.

We’ll survive this week, then the next, and the one after that. As long as we keep going there’s a chance for all of us.

I hope so, she replied. She knew he eyed her with worry.

He took a sip of coffee. Has Smit been bothering you?

She shrugged, unable to hide a tiny shudder. Her neighbor Dashell Smit considered himself to be her protector, and lately, something more. She found him to be pushy, condescending, and gross. She’d confided to Cutter about the man’s persistent pursuit of her. In their last encounter, Dashell tried to kiss her. She didn’t tell Cutter that.

You shouldn’t be staying in that apartment by yourself. I’ve plenty of room here.

This was a disagreement they’d had before. Wren refused to leave the home she once shared with her mother. She still held onto the hope that her mother would return. If she did, she would have no idea where Wren was. The unwanted attentions of Dashell Smit would not drive her away—at least not yet. So far, she’d managed to keep him at arm’s length. I can handle him.

Cutter’s voice held kindness. It’s been three years.

Wren looked down, refusing to meet his kind eyes. I know…but…

She heard his sigh. It’s all right. You’ll come here when you’re ready. He let the matter drop.

Wren took another sip of coffee. The chocolate taste was good, but hinted at a slight bitter aftertaste from the coffee. Cutter did his best to sweeten it for her, so she wouldn’t hurt his feelings. He sat across from her with his eyes closed as he inhaled the steam from his cup before swallowing. Her heart warmed with fondness. If not for him, she might not be here.

Her mind went back to that fateful day. She was out on the street, heading for a small convenience store not yet raided by the militia. The owners had boarded up the front and fled, thinking they would be able to return someday. The relentless scourge overwhelmed those who thought they could flee to a safer place. There was no safe place.

Normally, her neighbor Meg or Daisy’s father John came with her to take what they could carry, but she was in a hurry that day and decided to go alone. The route she took avoided the roving bands of militia, so she didn’t expect to run into trouble. After all, in a few months she’d be seventeen. She could take care of herself.

She wasn’t paying attention as she came around a corner. Dressed in a mixture of cast-off uniforms, a militia group blocked her way. To her relief, they weren’t looking in her direction, so she ducked behind a car that had been driven up onto the sidewalk in front of a store. She squeezed into the narrow space between the car and the storefront.

She watched them from behind the passenger door, hoping they would leave soon. If they found her, she would be in serious trouble. As she peered through the dirty glass of the car window, something about them made her tremble with unease. If they came toward the car, they would see her. She’d heard stories of girls being accosted, but had shrugged them aside. Now terror made her queasy. It looked like they were about to set off in her