RATH - Inception by Jeff Olah Read Free Book Online Page A

fear running along his spine more than once today, and he’d faced those beasts more times than he cared to count.
     
    His heart rate returning to a manageable level, Rath withdrew the two plastic bottles and nodded in the direction of the river he remembered to be only a few minutes away. “Let’s get some water.”
     
    Before heading out, he motioned to Chloe, held his index finger over his lips, and closed his eyes. Listening to what nature was verbalizing, he could hear the storm running in from the north and its growing intensity. The desperate wind was pushing south as the temperature dropped to levels that were unusually aggressive for this time of year. Flakes of snow whispered through the upper reaches of the thirty foot pines, attempting to locate a branch to call home; the tranquility of the moment was ironic.
     
    The pair headed slowly into the trees, Rath continuing to dissect the plan for reuniting the girl with her mother. Selfishly, this plan also included getting to his wife before he turned into the Benjamin Rath that no one wanted. The person he vowed to have left behind eighteen years earlier. His new family back at District Nine had years ago given him a chance when no one else would. Even though he was able to justify the event to himself, he knew the consequences of his actions long before he marched into the cold and ended that man’s life. More than wanting to find her… he needed to.
     
    As they approached the river and knelt to fill the bottles, the distant footfalls confirmed what he’d assumed would happen. No less than two, and by the sound, likely no more than seven Andros headed in their direction. The pace at which they moved indicated the group must still be following their tracks through the snow. There’d be no way of losing them without heading into the near frozen water.
     
    Staying along the shore, Rath moved through the shallow flowing water while allowing Chloe to stay a few feet away and in turn remain dry. A quarter mile in the frigid water and his boots were now completely saturated and through his socks, his feet were seconds from going numb. The pain was unthinkable and about to get much worse.
     
    Surveying the area, he located a stone roughly the size of his fist and tossed it halfway to the opposite shore, which he estimated to be thirty feet. Watching the ripples fade and eyeing the calmest section, he turned to Chloe. “Those bad people back there are trying to find us. We have to cross the river so they can’t.”
     
    Her first attempt to speak since earlier that morning was lost as she fought to find the words. She backed away and shook her head.
     
    “Chloe, we don’t have time. We have to go right now.”
     
    She began to shake and as the words finally came, she also began to cry. “I’m cold and I’m tired and the water is too deep. I don’t want to run anymore.”
     
    The sound of their pursuers grew closer, now so recognizable that Chloe also turned to look into the snow covered forest beyond. He turned back to her standing in the ankle deep water and held his hand out. “You’re not going in the water; I’m going to carry you across.”
     
    She looked back again as the sadistic murmurs grew nearer and her flight response took hold. “Okay.” She moved to Rath and stopping short of the water lapping at the shore, held her arms out.
     
    Maintaining eye contact, he smiled at her and adjusted the straps of his pack, making room for her atop his shoulders. “You ready?” he asked as he took a step forward and squatted down. She nodded and in one motion, he stood and lifted her onto his shoulders, surprised at what little difference her weight made.
     
    “Hold onto my hair as tight as you can and don’t let go, no matter what, even if you pull out a few chunks… I’ll be fine. I promise.” Chloe let out a tiny chuckle as he moved into the deeper water. His concern now firmly placed on the task of crossing the river, Rath strode