Magnuson


12•20•8993. 5:58.


     The three of us have been out here for a few hours, heading for the town. We've become more and more delirious and we stumble with every step.

     They've succumb to the temperature and lack of food and water. While I don't struggle with the heat, my stomach feels like it's eating itself and my throat feels dry enough to be a desert of its own.

     Jane suddenly collapses. I immediately head toward her while a delirious Arcadia practically walks over Jane.

     "We are dead," gasps Jane, "we are so dead." She let's out a sarcastic laugh.

     "We are not dead-" I gesture to Arcadia and I, "-but you will be if you don't hurry."

     "I just need to lay here for a while," she says. "I'm exhausted."

     I sigh and lift her up, tossing her over my shoulder.


•••••••••••


12-20-8993. 8:02.


     When we arrive at the small city it is completely filled with people and animals. The town seems to be decorated for a festival, as shown by the colorful tapestries, quick music, and delicious food. Many of the citizens are clothes in grey and white garments while others are clothes in purple cloth and jewels; likely a sign of royalty, class, or wealth. The far majority of people have caramel colored skin, but some have darker skin the color of the wood providing shade for the streets. Jane and I are the only ones with pale skin, and we are stared at many times. I can't imagine that this people sees white-skinned folk often. Camels and donkeys pound through the packed-in dirt on the streets and little children ride on their backs as the smiling parents hold their little hands.

     One of the children, wearing a grey dress and bandana around her head, waves at me and I wave back, grinning. She smiles that chubby-cheeked smile.

     Arcadia grins too, though weakly.

     Jane scowls at me, but not the child. When she thinks I've turned away, Jane smiles too.

     A woman comes up to us, carrying a basket of red, juicy apples. She holds one out in her hand and speaks in a language I don't know.

     I look to Arcadia and Jane, "Do either of you-"

     The woman switches languages, but keeps her thick accent. "Would you like to buy an apple? It costs seven tosk."

     Slightly impressed I smile, then frown because I don't have money.

     I shake my head. "We have no money."

     Jane smacks my arm, also weakly, and says under her breath, "Magnuson! Don't tell her that! I want food!"

     "Follow me," the woman says. She turns away and slowly heads into the crowd, as if waiting for is to make up our minds and follow her.

     Arcadia grabs my arm.

     "Wha-?"

     "Don't trust her. What if Finnian-" she stumbles on his name, "-is up to this?"

     I stay silent, considering her words.

     "Don't be an idiot, Arcadia," taunts Jane, "she's offering us food."

     "Don't you think it's a bit too convenient that we were able to escape, and in under twelve hours, find civilization again?..." Arcadia asks.

     I can see the thoughts run through Jane's mind through her emerald eyes.

     "You're right," Jane agrees.

     I sigh in relief.

     "But this is the only way to get food and water. We need to try."

      She runs into the crowd before we can retort.

      And we run after her.