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The Secrets of Westfalia Part 1
Written by Lucas Pepke
It takes a certain level of precision and skill to open a Miss Morsels Tasty Treats™ Cat Food can - a skill you’ve utterly mastered. Of course, it would be much easier with a can opener. A knife jabbed into the side of the can pierces the aluminum with a satisfying *POP*. “Salmon Delight for breakfast!” you announce over your shoulder. The swift breeze off the plateau sends the aroma from the can shooting up your nostrils. “Wowza! Better let that air out for a minute,” you say, placing the can on the rock next to you.
A quick glance at the horizon shows that the fires are back. That can’t be good. It was only a month ago that you and Clancy had paid your last visit to Westfalia. Things seemed to be going better in the city. City is a misnomer, really. Westfalia was simply a large collection of motorhomes, campers, and various vehicles, apparently named after one the founding member’s Volkswagen. It does roll off the tongue quite nicely though. Westfalia.
The story goes that after the Big One, everyone ended up stuck in the river basin as they tried to escape the cities. Shock from the blast apparently rendered all the vehicles inoperable. People literally pushed and pulled their resources and huddled together - safety in numbers. Over the years, the “city” built up, a beautiful mishmash of vehicular architecture and a symbol of post-apocalyptic safety.
“Fires are back again,” yawns Clancy as he hobbles out of his tent on a makeshift crutch. His grey, wispy hair blows in the breeze. He’s looking better today, you think. The squatty old man is your closest companion. You don’t really remember how you met Clancy; he’s just always been there ever since you were a kid.
“Yeah, just noticed too,” you say back casually, eyes focused on the three pillars of black smoke on the far side of the river, just beyond the borders of Westfalia.
“Can’t be good. I bet the Council has their hands full,” scoffs Clancy as he picks up the can of cat food. “Oh come on, Salmon Delight again?! Wish we had more of the chicken. That was a good score!”
It’s sad that you agree with his cranky old man complaints, but it is a fact: the Scrumptious Chicken Nibblets™ are far superior to the Now Packed with More Protein Salmon Delight™. “I know, Clancy, but it’s all we’ve got right now. Supplies are running low, and we’re out of options.” You heave a deep sigh, “I’ve made up my mind on the watch.”
Clancy’s face tightens hearing you say it. Your great grandfather’s pocket watch is your most valuable possession and only real relic from Before. Reaching into your leather vest, you run your thumb across the face of the pocket watch, feeling the intricately embossed bald eagle. The inscription on the back committed to memory:
My Darling,
For you alone
my heart opens.
Love, O
The watch was a gift from your great grandmother upon his return from the Terrible War. Much of the story was washed away after the Big One, but you know he was a war hero. Trading a relic like this could change everything for you and Clancy. No more campsites. No more trap setting. No more cat food. With the proceeds from the sale, you may even be able to afford a camper in Westfalia - a permanent home. Heck, you may be able to cash out for transport to the South where you hear the raids have been controlled for good.
“Sure about this? No turning back. Once it’s gone, it’s gone, ya know?” Clancy’s bright blue eyes are kind as he questions your decision. The watch has been a hot button topic between the two of you lately. He thinks it’s more than just a relic from Before. “That there’s something special,” he would always remind you.
“I’m sure,” you respond. “We can’t go on like this. It’s been years out here. We won’t last another raid. The Clan Wars are getting more heated every day. And let’s not forget our critter friends out there. We’re goners without supplies. It’s my watch, and it’s my decision.”
“Alright. Well, let’s get a move on,” Clancy declares, tossing the now empty cat food can to the side and trying to get to his feet.
“No, sir. Too much of a risk with your leg. I can handle it. Quick in-and-out.”
“Rope road?”
“I was thinking Pine Road,” you reply. “Once I get to Westfalia, I’ll find Toby or someone in the guild, trade the watch for the supplies we need, and get back as soon as I can to break down camp. Maybe even bring you back some Chicken Nibblets.”
“Oh, you’re too kind,” Clancy says, now on his feet. He grabs your wrist, “Look. Be safe. And don’t forget Betsy.” He hands you your boomerang - yes, it is named Betsy.
“Thanks, Clance. Don’t worry. I’ll be back before you know it. Until then, be a good kitty, and get some rest,” you say, cutting Clancy your signature smirk.
“I’d beat you if it weren’t for this leg!” he says, half jokingly, shaking his crutch at your face.
You hoist your bag over your shoulder and tuck the boomerang, Betsy, into your belt. “Sure, old man. Sure. Back in a jiffy,” you retort. Stomach clenching, you take the first step out of the safety of your encampment. If all goes well, the trek down to Westfalia should only take a day. The morning sun hits the Pine Road path up ahead. It may be the safer bet, but the Rope Road is much faster. You waffle about which road to take.
Focus. Make it quick. He won’t last long without you.
TAKE-A-SHOT
Alright contributors, it’s time to Take-A-Shot! Which road do you travel? Do you take the safe and sure Pine Road, or do you dare traverse the treacherous Rope Road as your route to Westfalia? The choice is yours!