Paul led Salome and Paxton into the elders’ chamber. Salome felt distant as her mind teemed with thoughts. Ever since she left her village, she had been so certain she was going to help these people, it was the right thing to do. Any yet, her father’s eyes shouted with disappointment that she had let the Notzrim go, that she had felt obligated to help such strangers instead of her own people. Though he didn’t say it, when the chief sent Salome on this mission, it was a chance for her to save herself. Take the Notzrim back to where came from, ensure they do not return to the valley, and she would be forgiven. Salome was torn. Does she continue to help these people and defy her father, the chief, and risk banishment? Or does she choose to not help them and insist they go elsewhere? She hoped the meeting would bring clarity.
When they entered the small room, they each took their place around a large rectangular table with the other elders of the underground.
“Let me start by first saying how thankful we are for you. We are indebted to you and your people for allowing us to come live with you.”
Salome forced a smile. “Thank you.”
Matthias went on to explain the plan. He kept the meeting short. The elders had everything figured out.
They would break the people up into groups and guide them through various checkpoints that the coalition had been working on setting up over the last several days.
This would allow for small groups to move from one hiding place to another across the open field until they made it to the foothills. Not only that, but despite the surprise attack by the Myriad, the raid on the medical truck provided several medical supplies, MRE’s, and enough space blankets for every two people.
Salome was impressed with their plan but needed to make sure they had thought everything through.
She noticed Paxton fold his hands and place them on the table. “What of footprints, broken branches, noise?” He asked. “These are things that can tip off a patrol officer and give away our location. You’ve escaped the first attack by the Myriad, but they won’t give up so easily. If they think you’ve left your hiding place, they will expand their search.”
“Yes,” Matthias responded, “and we’ve thought of that. We will have our own coalition officers at the front and back of each cluster to help create safe paths and then camouflage any possible detections. I assure you, we have no intention of being found. We have gone this long hiding our tracks, and we will continue to be just as careful if not even more so.”
Salome nodded. It sounded as if they’d thought everything out. Surely she’d be able to bring them back to her valley securely, but then again, there were nearly seven hundred of them. That was a lot more than she had originally anticipated. They wouldn’t be able to move quickly.
Salome crossed her arms. “What of compliance of the people? What of their abilities? It’s not an easy journey especially if someone is not used to so much physical exertion. The longer we’re out there the more likely we will be spotted.”
Matthias nodded. “Yes, I understand that. I can assure you that our people are respectful and compliant citizens. We also have our law enforcement officers to help with any arguments that may arise, but I doubt there will be any issues. As for people’s physical capabilities, we are a family. We learn to care for and bear one another’s burdens. If there are some who lag, we will do everything in our power to assist them.”
“Okay good. I believe it is a good plan. Let’s pray Sabaoth watches over this excursion.”
“Agreed. We will finish what little odds and ends we need to do here and we will be ready to go by tomorrow evening.”
Salome stood and thanked the group before exiting.
Paul led Salome and Paxton into the elders’ chamber. Salome felt distant as her mind teemed with thoughts. Ever since she left her village, she had been so certain she was going to help these people, it was the right thing to do. Any yet, her father’s eyes shouted with disappointment that she had let the Notzrim go, that she had felt obligated to help such strangers instead of her own people. Though he didn’t say it, when the chief sent Salome on this mission, it was a chance for her to save herself. Take the Notzrim back to where came from, ensure they do not return to the valley, and she would be forgiven. Salome was torn. Does she continue to help these people and defy her father, the chief, and risk banishment? Or does she choose to not help them and insist they go elsewhere? She hoped the meeting would bring clarity.
When they entered the small room, they each took their place around a large rectangular table with the other elders of the underground.
“Let me start by first saying how thankful we are for you. We are indebted to you and your people for allowing us to come live with you.”
Salome forced a smile. “Thank you.”
Matthias went on to explain the plan. He kept the meeting short. The elders had everything figured out.
They would break the people up into groups and guide them through various checkpoints that the coalition had been working on setting up over the last several days.
This would allow for small groups to move from one hiding place to another across the open field until they made it to the foothills. Not only that, but despite the surprise attack by the Myriad, the raid on the medical truck provided several medical supplies, MRE’s, and enough space blankets for every two people.
Salome was impressed with their plan but needed to make sure they had thought everything through.
She noticed Paxton fold his hands and place them on the table. “What of footprints, broken branches, noise?” He asked. “These are things that can tip off a patrol officer and give away our location. You’ve escaped the first attack by the Myriad, but they won’t give up so easily. If they think you’ve left your hiding place, they will expand their search.”
“Yes,” Matthias responded, “and we’ve thought of that. We will have our own coalition officers at the front and back of each cluster to help create safe paths and then camouflage any possible detections. I assure you, we have no intention of being found. We have gone this long hiding our tracks, and we will continue to be just as careful if not even more so.”
Salome nodded. It sounded as if they’d thought everything out. Surely she’d be able to bring them back to her valley securely, but then again, there were nearly seven hundred of them. That was a lot more than she had originally anticipated. They wouldn’t be able to move quickly.
Salome crossed her arms. “What of compliance of the people? What of their abilities? It’s not an easy journey especially if someone is not used to so much physical exertion. The longer we’re out there the more likely we will be spotted.”
Matthias nodded. “Yes, I understand that. I can assure you that our people are respectful and compliant citizens. We also have our law enforcement officers to help with any arguments that may arise, but I doubt there will be any issues. As for people’s physical capabilities, we are a family. We learn to care for and bear one another’s burdens. If there are some who lag, we will do everything in our power to assist them.”
“Okay good. I believe it is a good plan. Let’s pray Sabaoth watches over this excursion.”
“Agreed. We will finish what little odds and ends we need to do here and we will be ready to go by tomorrow evening.”
Salome stood and thanked the group before exiting.