Tori's Misfits

Chapter seven

Jace's POV:

Arriving back at the orphanage, I see the upheaval caused by the girls disappearing. Mister Toben has stationed a guard for trackers and warriors to report to. Warriors not assigned to the search are walking the perimeter of the property. There are three trainees carrying boxes out and throwing them in a pile.

I look at the driver and school, my face into a shocked expression. He pulls to a stop, and I quickly jump down running to the back of the wagon. A warrior approaches the driver, and they have a brief conversation. After finishing with his conversation, the driver heads my way and motions me to a stop.

"Carer Jayla said to pile the supplies against the side, no one is allowed to enter."

Nodding I turn and place the crate of supplies against the building. I keep my head down and make several trips. I take longer than usual, trying to hear the conversations going on around me.

“Hurry up boy” the driver yells, kicking me as I go to reach for the last bundle.

I fall forward, hitting against the wagon and take a sharp breath at the pain. Jumping back up, I grit my teeth and grab the bundle and add it to the growing pile. Turning to return to the wagon, I see he has driven off towards the warrior’s building. I start running knowing I will be in trouble if he must wait for me to start unloading. I pull out all my strength and arrive just as the driver is jumping, not giving me time to catch my breath, he shoves me toward the wagon.

“Hurry up boy, we are expected back at the main community yard when you are done. He barks at me.

“Yes sir” I reply, jumping up and pulling the remaining crates towards the back of the wagon. I make quick work of unloading and arranging the supplies. Then we make our way to the main yard.

Carer Jayla is standing in the yard looking out toward the woods as if, just by her sheer will, the girls would be led out. As the sun continues to drop over the horizon, her shoulders begin to slump, and fear enters her eyes. The sound of the bell rings and her head jerks towards the front door, where Madam Kim stands staring at her with a smirk. Jayla swallows nervously and glances towards the woods one more time before taking her place in the line forming.

The children are lined up on one side of the porch with their carers behind them. The trainee warriors stand across from them in two straight lines, while warriors stand facing the building. Madam Kim slowly walks down the porch steps and stops in the middle of the group. All movement and sounds from the onlookers stop, their eyes glued to where Madam Kim stands.

“Bring me, Carer Jayla,” she tells two warriors in the front row.

Carer Jayla’s head swings side to side as tears flow down her cheeks, and her eyes meet with Mister Toben pleading with him. He lowers his head with a shake and turns towards the building. She begins backing away, and gasps are heard as she suddenly darts toward the wooded area behind the house. The warriors jump at her, grabbing her arms and pulling them behind her back, causing her to let out a loud scream. Holding her between them, they turn and drag her towards Madam Kim.

“Well, Jayla, it seems I am still missing three children, and you are the responsible party.