THE MASTER
Barney had been at Red Nicson now for an accumulation of four years, making him eight years old and he had about had enough of the life they had given him. The rigorous work hours, the punishments for not working efficiently enough and the starvings they had to endure. It was on this day, when the assembly had been called that Barney would attempt his escape that he had been concocting for a few months now.
At Red Nicson, an assembly is called once a child comes of age, or turns fifteen. At this time of life, the child's accomplishments are displayed for all the other children too unlucky to leave to see. Then they are told to leave with no food, water or even a change of clothing. If they are lucky enough to survive long enough to get to the next village, they may possibly be fed and sheltered. Or so they are told at least.
Barneys plan was clear. With the help of two other children roughly his age, Karlis and Fry, they would use the diversion caused by the next child's departure as their way to get out the front gates unnoticed. How little they knew however and soon were to be shown the punishments of disobedience.
All the children were lined up from youngest to oldest in several rows in front of a Dais created specifically for this occasion. A man, dressed in a long, black overcoat and wearing a top-hat climbed the steps up to the Dais slowly, with all eyes upon him. He turned and looked at all the children awaiting his speech below.
"Welcome, residents of Red Nicson, to the initiation of yet another valuable member of our team. Justin Hurnet."
At this moments a big person, wearing a steel helmet to instill fear, and steel armour to suit came along with a whip. The whip was to make sure all the children applauded at the right moments, and if they didn't they got the whip. Hence, as Justin's name was mentioned, an applause sounded out.
"Good, good. Just what I like to hear. Applause and appreciation for one of your own." The man began to smile as he looked upon everyone.
"Now, Justin; Come up. Receive your award."
At this moment, Barney, Karlis and Fry decided this was the moment to flee.
Slowly they backed up away from the front of the line. No one appeared to be watching. When they got away from the crowd of children, the lowered themselves and followed along the line of people so as not to be seen by the General of Red Nicson or those who served him.
They were doing it. They were approaching the front gates fast. They thought they had made it. Smiles appeared on all their faces, and they began picking up the pace.
100 metres from the gate. 80 Metres, 25 Metres, 10. And then...
"And where are you three going?" asked a voice from behind them.
The smiles quckly dissapeared from their faces as they knew that they were in serious trouble now.
At Red Nicson, an assembly is called once a child comes of age, or turns fifteen. At this time of life, the child's accomplishments are displayed for all the other children too unlucky to leave to see. Then they are told to leave with no food, water or even a change of clothing. If they are lucky enough to survive long enough to get to the next village, they may possibly be fed and sheltered. Or so they are told at least.
Barneys plan was clear. With the help of two other children roughly his age, Karlis and Fry, they would use the diversion caused by the next child's departure as their way to get out the front gates unnoticed. How little they knew however and soon were to be shown the punishments of disobedience.
All the children were lined up from youngest to oldest in several rows in front of a Dais created specifically for this occasion. A man, dressed in a long, black overcoat and wearing a top-hat climbed the steps up to the Dais slowly, with all eyes upon him. He turned and looked at all the children awaiting his speech below.
"Welcome, residents of Red Nicson, to the initiation of yet another valuable member of our team. Justin Hurnet."
At this moments a big person, wearing a steel helmet to instill fear, and steel armour to suit came along with a whip. The whip was to make sure all the children applauded at the right moments, and if they didn't they got the whip. Hence, as Justin's name was mentioned, an applause sounded out.
"Good, good. Just what I like to hear. Applause and appreciation for one of your own." The man began to smile as he looked upon everyone.
"Now, Justin; Come up. Receive your award."
At this moment, Barney, Karlis and Fry decided this was the moment to flee.
Slowly they backed up away from the front of the line. No one appeared to be watching. When they got away from the crowd of children, the lowered themselves and followed along the line of people so as not to be seen by the General of Red Nicson or those who served him.
They were doing it. They were approaching the front gates fast. They thought they had made it. Smiles appeared on all their faces, and they began picking up the pace.
100 metres from the gate. 80 Metres, 25 Metres, 10. And then...
"And where are you three going?" asked a voice from behind them.
The smiles quckly dissapeared from their faces as they knew that they were in serious trouble now.