Chapter 7:

CHAPTER 7

Gar Hulland hurried off.

I didn't know what to do, but Ralph seemed more clueless. I wasn't sure of the exact address, but I was sure we were at Revemerall 14. Another 30 blocks. The blocks at Chickawulu are huge, meaning the childrens' shelter was ages away.

I shoved my hat on Ralph's head and made him put on his scarf. It didn't do much to hide his identity, he was wearing a boy's vest and shirt, with a boy's set of trousers on. I think he left his cloak back at the lodge.

"Ralph! Put on my cloak!" I whispered to him, under my breath. I threw him my cloak.

Before he had even fastened the clip, I heard heavy footsteps coming our way. It was so dark, I couldn't see who it was, but I decided it was best to stay away from anyone.

I could see Ralph was about to say something, but I quickly put my hand over his mouth and dragged him behind what was shaped like a cart.

"Shut UP!" I whispered angrily, as quietly as I could.

I was too late.

Ralph suddenly lurched back, and I realised the person behind us was a soldier.

"On the 13th of Hulrd, a war started between Hevidell and our Chickawulu. The Imperial Board of the Emperor's Royal has ordered every boy over the age of 13 years to serve our Nation, Chickawulu."

Perhaps we were supposed to reply, for the soldier said "J-Just come.."

"E-Err... we're from Gardrome... We came to visit our Aunt..." I replied. Ralph nodded vigourously.

"Then why are you wearing Chickawulu's National Cape?" The Soldier replied smugly.

"I lost mine- our Aunt gave me this one," smiled Ralph confidently.

"Show my your Indentification, kid. Are you a boy?"

I saw Ralph fidget a bit, before saying 'Yes, and I don't have an Identification thing..."

The Soldier looked puzzled, then said, "I'm not sure. Please come anyway. I don't know the rules."

"Don't make him go! He's only twelve years old!" I pleaded.

He didn't seem to notice. "I don't know. You sure don't loook twelve- more like fifteen if you ask me" he added. The Soldier took Ralph by the arm and half-dragged-half-pulled him along.

I wasn't sure what to do; if Ralph went to fight or whatever was out there (which sure was dangerous), he might get injured- or worse- killed! Ralph couldn't die! I didn't want Ralph to die! I didn't know whether to follow them or not to, but my legs told me what to do.

The Soldier paused when he saw me following them. He looked uncertain for a moment, then said, "I dunno if you can come missy... Best if ye didn't..."

I ignored him, and kept walking.

We walked for a while. I was very tired by the time we'd gotten to what looked like army barracks (we'd left the city mountain's walls), and we were taken to the Commander's office.

I slipped my hand into Ralph's. He was pale as a sheet, and for a moment, I thought he was going to throw up.

After walking in darkness for such a long time, the light and warmth from the Commander's office, was quite overwhelming.

I heard some voices coming from inside the room, then the Soldier cried, "Yes, Sir. New recruits, Sir."

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Thank you for reading Chapter 7! I hope my story is taking the bend toward the direction it's supposed to go (action and adventure), but I guess I won't know until we find out! :P There may be a slight twist from what you think.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................