Caleb froze, mute as the bag was forced over his head. The D’Angeles girl had been taken, so Caleb would have to save her in order to make the connection worthwhile. This pleased him. He was still an invincible hostage, and even if he were caught and thrown captive with the girl, surely she would admire his bravery. He watched Kataro take his knife to free the others, fuming that he had lost his chance, lying there like a grub that could only writhe while someone else got to be the hero. He was however pleased that he would be the first cut free.

“Thanks for helping me. I'm Caleb.” He said to Kataro, taking the knife from the other. At least the boy had the courtesy to give it back. Perhaps Kataro believed Caleb to be of enough importance to be freed first, or perhaps he was just being courteous. Still, best to be as friendly as possible. Every relationship stems from a small point of connection, and Caleb was sure that Kataro was of noble birth.

With his bag off, the others could see that Caleb’s face was covered in blood from his gruesome kidnapping. It looked as if he had been in a great fight, and he was aware of this. The serrated knife gleamed in his hand.

“I know the way back home from here.” Said Caleb to the others. “I wounded one of those bastards on the way here, and while he was distracted I managed to see where I was being taken. We’re near a main road”


This knowledge wasn’t entirely a lie. All one had to get home was follow the tire tracks, and Caleb was sure he hadn’t been in the van long enough to go very far from town. Besides, those tire tracks had to eventually lead to a road. It was a perfectly fine story, crafted to boost morale and show everyone just how smart Caleb was. He moved forward a little to the center of the others, making sure he could address everyone.

“I think we should get out of this building first. I’ll lead us to the main road and then go back for Apple. Everyone who has a knife or something to arm themselves with, arm yourself now. There’s probably some pipes or tools down here we can use for protection. Sound good?”

Caleb looked to Faith once he was done speaking. The girl was hurt, but did not appear to be bleeding. "Do you think you can move without support?" He asked her.