“It’s actually Euphamie,” she clarified, spelling out the unique name. “But my brothers all call me Fay.”
“I’m Maisie.” Unused to meeting anyone who could communicate so clearly, she asked, “How did you learn to sign?”
“My twin brother,” Fay explained. “Cotton,” she added. “He’s deaf.” Taking Maisie’s hands in hers, Fay ensured Maisie could read her lips as she said, “I don’t think this will need stitches, but we should clean and bandage it.”
Maisie gestured to the first aid kit, and Fay managed to get it open and retrieve the supplies she needed. While Fay dabbed at her wound with an antiseptic wipe, she studied her more carefully. She seemed close to Maisie’s age and was taller and sturdier. Fay seemed confident and sure as she worked, and the rifle slung across her back and the holster on her left hip convinced Maisie she was comfortable defending herself.
“You’re lucky this is your only injury,” Fay said before she tore a strip of medical tape. “This mountain is dangerous. There are only a few safe paths, and there are booby traps everywhere else.”
“Why?” Fay laughed. “Because my dad is paranoid and hates the government and the Splinters and anyone else who wants to try and take his mountain.”
“His?”
“My family has lived on this mountain since the first transport ship arrived from Earth. My ancestors fought and died to claim it, and Pa will give every last drop of his blood to make sure it stays under our control.” She glanced in the direction of the destroyed camp. “That’s why that camp never got finished. We’ve been raiding and sabotaging them for months. The City has no power here—and never will.”
From the fervor in Fay’s gestures and the hard set of her jaw, Maisie believed her. The City and their corrupt government would never manage to take this mountain or the surrounding areas. The Splinters wouldn’t either. They were only successful in establishing roots when locals invited and accepted them and their purpose. That wasn’t going to happen here.
“Do you live nearby then?” Maisie asked, curious as to how this woman had found her.
Fay nodded. “Down the other side at our compound.”
“What do your people do?”
“We’re loggers and furniture makers and syrup catchers.”
“And hunters?” Maise gestured to Fay’s rifle and pistol.
“A girl can only eat so much fish before she gets sick of it and craves a big, juicy elk steak.” Fay finished the bandage and stuffed the trash into Maisie’s pack. With both hands free, she signed, “We should get back into the trees. It’s not safe up here.”
“I’m trying to get down to the river,” Maisie explained. “I need to get on a barge and get to The City.”
“Bad idea,” Fay replied with a shake of her head. “There are government thugs down there.” She glared in the direction of the camp again. “Those assholes will be crawling all over the valley and river to catch any escaped prisoners.” Her lip curled as she sneered at the very idea of the enemy on her home turf. “Until they move on to their next base of operations, you shouldn’t go anywhere near Rivertown.”
Maisie’s shoulders drooped. “What should I do?”
“My brother has a still nearby. It’s a hike, but we’ll make it before it gets too dark. We can sleep there tonight, get you some clean clothes, burn that uniform and bury any evidence you have with you. In the morning, we’ll head down to my family’s compound. It’s safe there. After that?” Fay shrugged. “We’ll figure something out. There are fixers in the Red Feather who can get you where you need to go.”
Choosing to trust Fay, Maisie accepted her plan. There wasn’t any other option at this point. The way Fay had so easily caught up to her was an annoying reminder of how Maisie’s disability limited her. Usually, it was just a minor hindrance or a challenge, but out here, in the woods, surrounded by animals and skilled hunters, she was vulnerable. With Fay at her side, she would have a better chance of surviving, and frankly, the idea of a warm spot to sleep and clean, dry clothes was too dear to refuse.
Fay reached into the big pocket on the front of her jacket and retrieved a small handheld radio. Maisie bristled with worry and started to get up so she could run. Fay shook her head. “It’s just to let my brother know we’re coming down