C H A P T E R
I I I
Runaway
A T H E N A burst through the doors. “Armand, get the food, we need to go!”
“We don’t have any food!”
Athena grabbed a bag and stuffed blankets in. She took every essential they had and out the door they went. “Where do we go, Artemis?”
“We go to one of those ships. We’ll find in the lower deck and then you can bind my leg.”
“They’ll find us.”
“By the time they do, they’ll probably be out on the sea already, miles from here. We must never come to Jamestown again.”
“Artemis—” Athena cried. “This is our home.”
Artemis looked back but could see nothing but snow. “This was our home. But not anymore.” He saw the distant ships up ahead. “Let’s hurry. That man could be back soon.”
Athena understood. She held little Armand’s hand, while helping Artemis, and to the ships they went.
It was dark and cold. The decks were almost frozen and the railings were blanketed with snow.
“I’m frightened.” Armand peered into the darkness.
“Don’t be. We’ll be safe here. I hear this ship is sailing to Beauport tomorrow. Then we’ll be faraway.”
Artemis pulled a blanket over their laps. They sat in the dark corner of the lowest deck.
Athena sang until Armand fell asleep. Then she wrapped a white cloth around Artemis’ leg.
Artemis winced at the pain.
“Artemis…”
“Yes?”
“We’re not going to survive.”
“Of course we will. Papa was a detective along with a philosopher. He was the smartest man that ever lived. I’ll be like that too, someday. Maybe you too.”
“But he’ll find us.”
Artemis sighed. “What do you suggest?”
Athena bit her lip. Then tears escaped her eyes. “I can’t. I couldn’t bear it.”
“What? What is it?”
Athena looked at Artemis. “If we were to split up—we’d be safe.”
Artemis knew she was right. “If we run into that man again, then maybe we should. We’ll meet up somewhere though. I’ll come back and get Armand, and then we’ll all be together.”
Athena agreed. “Yes. Just temporarily. And Armand is a bright boy. I know there is someone out there who will love him.”
Artemis nodded. And then paused. He listened to the faint sound of footsteps. But his mind drifted off and he closed his eyes and slept.
Artemis gasped. He sighed, relieved. It was just a nightmare. A nightmare of Mother, and the horrifying scene Artemis had to witness. He glanced out the small circular window. It must be nearly dawn, he thought.
Thump! Thump!
Artemis stood very still. Someone was up there.
Athena flinched, when Artemis’ cold hand felt her arm.
“Stay quiet. Maybe that’s the captain.”
“Do you think he will hurt us?”
Artemis didn’t want to take any chances. “If that’s the killer—we’d better be silent.”
“How could he have known we were here?”
“Maybe he tracked us down. But we’ll stay down here until he know for sure.”
The hours passed. Suddenly, there was a yell.
Artemis listened to the sound.
“To the seas!”
Artemis breathed quickly. The ship was taking off. Soon, he would be someplace very far away. “It’s just a matter of time before he finds us.” He whispered.
Athena nodded. “I’m scared.”
“I know you are. Just tell yourself you don’t need anybody but yourself. And soon, you’ll realize that, every time you’ve gone to trust someone—they always fail you.”
“You never failed me.”
Artemis caught her glance. “And I will continue to not. But others—you just cane trust them. They’ll always turn. And…” Artemis leaned back his head and sighed. “We will always be in danger. Always afraid someone will find us.”
“I just don’t see why. What did we do?”
“It’s not about what we’ve done. It’s about who we are. They think we know something. We’re bright, and apparently that’s what put us in danger.”
The light shone in through the window brightly.
Artemis sat upright, rubbing his eyes and licking his lips. He heard voices from up above. Then suddenly—a man climbed down into the small little space. His eyes met his and he stopped still.
“Runaways!” He shouted.
Artemis sighed hopelessly. He gently nudged Athena and she woke. Armand woke also and gasped.
A tall strong man came down and crossed his arms. “Get upstairs.”
Artemis and the others swiftly obeyed. Upstairs, on the slippery deck, they stood. They wondered if the captain would show mercy.
“What is the meaning of this?” He demanded harshly.
Artemis stammered, “We hid here because…” Will telling them he truth be worse? I have to try.
“Someone is…” Artemis just couldn’t bring himself to tell him. “I need a job. We need a chance to rebuild our lives. Please, sir.”
The tall man thought for a moment. And then, “You want work, I’ll give you work. Where are you heading, boy?”
Artemis looked at the crew who stared at him fiercely. “Anywhere would be fine.”
The man smiled and stepped forward, extending his hand. “The name’s Smith. Rodney Smith.” He handed him a bucket and mop. “You can begin with scrubbing the decks. They are slimy—haven’t been washed for ages.”
Artemis and Athen obeyed, while Armand stayed in the corner keeping quiet.
After a few days onboard, Artemis learned that Rodney’s mission was delivering food and supplies to other places. Wherever the went, it was sure better than their previous home. But Artemis still had the sickening question of, ‘why was Mother killed?’ He seemed to choke on the question. “Why?” He asked aloud. People behind him heard and looked questionably at him.
She didn’t do anything. I don’t understand.
Artemis looked back to his work.
Wow, that went quicker than I thought! I know, I know, I have so many unfinished stories, it's just pitiful. But maybe I'll be urged to write more.
I've been thinking about quitting blogging for awhile and I think it would be better that way, just so I don't always feel bad.
Thanks for the followers and all your lovely comments everyone!
Bye for now!
