Orona (Book 1)

Chapter 7 - Hope

Chapter 7 - Hope

We were led into a set of large rooms close to the great hall that overlooked the city through expansive wavy glass windows. Upon arriving, we found many of the wounded passengers, including Jake, laying on mats on the floor and being cared for. I felt relieved to finally feel safe for a moment, and to know that all my brothers were still alive.

"This place is incredible," said Drew gazing out the window as a gentle looking Elden woman in a white pointed hat applied a poultice of wet leaves to a large gash on his arm.

"I just don't understand how we can be on some other world," said Cubby, scratching his now long dark facial hair in frustration. "Maybe they're confused. I need to get back to my family. Who are these tiny people? Why did they capture us like that? What do they plan on doing with us? We've got to get out of here!"

"Don't worry. At least we're one step closer," I assured him.

"One step closer? Are you crazy?" Cubby snapped. "We're on a different planet! What is happening? For all we know they might just tie us up again. I feel like I'm in a bad dream!" He stomped off, going out onto the large balcony.

Cubby's seemed to be breaking down. I had never seen him act like this before. The thought of his family thinking he was dead and realizing that he might never see them again was clearly affecting his emotions.

Just then, an Elden man came in and walked straight toward me and Drew. He wore the same oversized slouchy hat like the men who sat next to the king in the great hall. His long grey beard was braided and tucked into his black leather pants. From there, his beard must have split because it came out of two pockets and then wrapped around each leg.

"Are you the leader of this tribe?" he asked Drew.

"Well... no not really. Why do you ask?"

"Could you point me to the leader? Our king wishes to sit next to him at dinner and speak with him."

"Okay, ahhh, I suppose in that case I am the leader of these people." He glanced over at me and slightly rolled his eyes.

"Very well. Please sit next to the king once you are guided into the feast hall."

"It would be an honor," said Drew as the little old man walked off. "Thank you."

I leaned over to him and spoke in a low voice, "What do you make of all this?"

"Well, these people speak English, and they know of our world," said Drew, looking deep thought. "I suppose things could be much worse."

"Man, I don't know how you both keep such a good attitude," said Cubby, returning from the balcony. "Everyone probably thinks we're dead. I can't even imagine what Amanda must be going through right now... And Mom and Dad. Just look at Jack! He could be dying for all we know. We've got to figure out how to get home."

"I know, Cubby, I know," I said. We're just trying to figure things out."

"Where did Drew just walk off too?" He asked as his eyes searched the room.

"He went over there with that girl again," "The one from South Africa."

He looked to where I was pointing and could see Drew crouch down next to the girl named Marin. She had been severely wounded when the Eldens attacked and had cuts covering her body. Drew sat by her with concern, watching as the Eldens cared for her.

"I knew he liked her," I said, smiling. "He was always helping her at camp and trying to be near her."

Marin and Drew had become friends in the last couple of days before the attack. It took him many days before he finally mustered up the courage to talk to her. Unknowingly to Drew, my brothers and I had bets on how long it would take him. It was obvious he had a crush on her as we all saw him staring in her direction and helping her throughout camp, though he would never tell any of us that. Drew is very private and a man of few words when it comes to his emotions. He'd been like this all his life. Marin was really pretty, with long blonde hair, a slim build, pale cream skin, and a sweet smile. I was proud when I finally saw him make the move, even though I lost the bet. I admired his courage, knowing the fear of rejection would have taken me weeks longer if I had been in his shoes.