The Collective Read Online Free PDF Page A

had transpired.
The last he remembered was a gun shot before he blacked out. Did his father
survive? His mother? How long had he been out? Glancing over the counter, he
could tell that the shopkeeper was getting anxious.  Slowly he began to speak.
“Last thing I remember....I was being knocked out before Xonox’s guards shot my
father. I have to get home. My mother was very ill. She may still be alive.”
    Isnor’s eyes perked up and he stopped cleaning the gun.
“Xonox you say? That’s strange, because it was Xonox’s guards that dropped you
in the street with your backpack.”
    Now Abel was shocked. His eyes conveyed to Isnor that he
was more a victim than a threat. Abel wondered aloud. “They shoot my
father...leave my mother to die, but I live. If only I wasn’t caught off
guard!”
    Reality was setting in and the fury rose in him. His anger
grew so quickly it startled Isnor.  Looking to lighten the situation, Isnor
motioned toward the table. “Come, sit. I have some bread and gelatin. We’ll
settle the debt later.”
    Still clenching his fist, Abel sat down. Who had informed
Distor about the well? Was it his friend Forsum? Did he realize what he had
done to his family? What would happen when he was able to get back home? Forsum
would be dealt with quickly, then he would set his sights on Xonox. Life had
been sort of a game until that point. Hunting, trading and scraping for water.
There were times when it seemed his family would not make it, but they always
pulled together.  Xonox and his horrors were always stories that never affected
anyone close to him. In his mind, those people were careless and brought the
wrath of Xonox upon them. But now he could see clearly. The House of Vancrew
was evil, the whole Collective was a sham. Now he had nothing but a fire that
burned in him. His father had taught him, trained him to handle himself, but
when the time came for action, he froze. Quietly he vowed to never freeze
again.
    Isnor reappeared holding two plates with bread and gelatin
in a cup as he promised. “So where is your home?”
    “Gravope.” Abel responded looking at the red gelatin and
moldy bread.
    “Ah, I’ve been there before.” The merchant said as he sat
at the table. “I traded with Aaron, he was good and fair. Do you know him?
    Abel slid his fingers around the cup. “Yes. My father
traded with him often.”
    “He always kept a good stock of water.” Isnor stated while
dipping his bread into the gelatin. “Well, next time I head to Gravope I’ll
carry you with me. We’ll figure out something for you to do to earn your way.”
    Abel slurped the gelatin and broke off a piece of bread.
“No. Thank you. But I need to leave right away. I have to find out what happened.
I appreciate your help, but I have no way to repay you.”
    Isnor was a trader by heart, but even he was soured on this
deal. Normally he would demand debts were paid immediately, with a hunt,
information or some form of currency. But the young man had been through enough
and he did not want to pile on. “Don’t worry.” The trader said. “I’m sure
you’ll find something to trade in your backpack.”
    The bag rested in the corner. It was dusted and worn, but
still sturdy. Abel often carried it when he hunted, but he was surprised at the
way it bulged. Cautiously, he reached down and slid the backpack to his feet,
as if it would explode if it were picked up too quickly.  Who knows what the
guards left for him. Unzipping the bag he gazed in, slowly sat back in his chair
and looked at Isnor.  Smiling, Isnor took another bite of bread. Inside was
everything Abel needed for the distressing situation he had been thrust in.
Bottles of Xonox water overflowed the bag and a 9mm pistol sat stiffly in the
inside pocket. Isnor saw a debt being settled, Abel saw the first step in
exacting revenge on the man that had taken his family.
    *******
    Abel awoke with a start, discombobulated by his
surroundings, neck stiff from sleeping in