Last Destiny Volume 2 Chapter 21

Charlie and his group arrive at the coast and find the rowboat missing. They are shocked by the sight of dead bodies and ruins. Lee reveals that they were supposed to save someone named Leland, who helped her escape. They meet Lansi, who refers to someone called the Wheeling and invites them into a shelter for runaways. Lansi explains that the Wheeling set up the shelter to protect and educate those in need. Charlotte is surprised by his actions and wonders why he left. Lansi tells them to ask the Wheeling themselves and encourages them to catch up with him in Zuma. The group leaves without saying goodbye. CHAPTER 20 CHARLIE AND COMPANY The glider arrives there the next day. When they land on the coast, they look for the rowboat, but it is gone. It is cold and foggy. They are not amused by all of the dead bodies they see, the trash and ruins all about. They are overwhelmed. Lee whispers, even after watching the people destroy themselves, and, hmm, this seems worse, James. Such a harsh, harsh place. I don't even know if Leland is bad. She has tears in her eyes as she moves closer to him. James just nods, but Charlotte overhears her and says, Leland? You both up for Leland? As she stops and turns, Lee holds her head down. They both stop inhaling. James says, Just Lee. We had desired to tell you before. We never could. Her mom helped her escape. We were supposed to go back and save her one day. Leland comes over and touches Lee's shoulder and says, It's all right, Lee. You is among friends. We go together. Lee looks up with the expression of a hurting child and says, You promise? They all nod toward her, but coffee stares. They begin knocking on doors. Some most don't answer. Others give vague answers. Eventually, though, many start saying, The Wheeling is at the shelter. They are taken aback. He is referred to as the Wheeling. Finally, a youth, Frieze, guides them to the shelter. They are greeted by Lansi. Lansi sends Frieze home. Lansi then says, Who's been your going place to place asking for Wheeling? Charlotte and company realize Frieze told on them. They look in the direction she went. Lansi says, I can tell from the look of you, not of Susie. Charlotte, anxious, says, We are friends of Wheeling. Lansi says, Wheeling? Not one for friends. And what be that one, looking at coffee? A druid knight? But you're spies for Turbia. Charlotte says, We don't know what a Turbia is. Is Lydia all right? Just tell us that much. Lansi says, May have you are his companions. I am Lansi, his sensei. Do come in. As he opens the door wide and lets them in, they are surprised to see an area cleaned out. Bruised and battered people are still being tended to, food being handed out. Ina walks over to Lansi. Lansi says, These seem to be companions of Wheeling and Lydia. Is that not something? Ina says, His ways precede him, as she looks at all of them. Then she says, Are any of you all hungry? Charlotte says, No, we really just desire to know if they are all right. Helen says, And what is this place? Lansi says, Wheeling ended a plot on his life. The heads of the plot are for the most part dead. He asks the people for something, not peace. But as far as his feet go, both complain too. As he looks toward Ina, he smiles. And he set up this shelter for runaways, orphans, the battered and beaten from battles, the homeless, and a place to educate them so they know it's more for safety than fighting. Charlotte's shocked, says, He did all this in a matter of days? Lansi, beating his eyes, says, He isn't. Charlotte confused, says, What do yous mean? Lansi says, Another time. But Wheeling and Lydia set this up with us. Then they departed. He has to protect the child so he go. Do as he promised. Charlotte looks down and says, I missed him. I mean them. Helen touches her shoulder. Lee says, He should have stayed. Run to Z. But you said promise. What promise? Lansi says, Y'all have to ask him, not my place to tell. They head for Zuma, though. Y'all can catch him. Helen says, That's right by where we left. Lansi says, No need for goodbyes. Go. Looking at Charlotte, who nods to him. The company leaves.