Read Will of Man - Part Four for Free Online

rowboat and we paddled away from the chaos. I paddled facing the prison and thought about Jeff, Father Patrick, and all the people who will lose or already lost their lives that night. I asked why do we do this to each other? We don’t have to kill to acquire. There is other ways to survive that don’t include killing and barbaric acts.
    As I rowed, I cried. I hadn’t cried so hard in a long time. Dad would get upset with me whenever I cried, and then Mom would get mad at him for getting mad at me. But on that night, at that moment, I allowed myself to cry. This world may be too much for me. I don’t know if I will make it. I am doubting my survival. I am doubting that I even want to live in such a horrible world. Can things ever be better than they are now? They will have to be, otherwise….
    Balow and I made it to the shore and into the woods without being noticed. I guess the pirates didn’t care who left, they just wanted the prison for themselves. There was no one waiting for us on the banks. I could hear screaming and shouting coming from the island and the glow from the flames lit the area around us. The flames even lit the low hanging clouds in the sky. It was eerie to look at.
    The pirates wanted the prison so bad, but they burned it to the ground getting it. I think everyone in this area is crazy. It was time for Balow and I to leave.
    We backtracked to the small abandoned cabin where I left my backpack. It was still there where I left it. I was glad to see it.
    Balow was suffering and needed to continue with his PULL. I could tell he had not been eating much and needed nutrition. He said earlier that his PULL would not take him far, but he still needed energy to fight. I noticed some men gathered on the opposite shore. I wondered if one of them was Balow’s opponent. I was hoping that his opponent was weak from waiting like Balow was.
    I remembered I had two MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat) in my backpack. I was saving them for when I needed them, but I think Balow needs them more than me. I purified some water with a purifying tablet and gave it to Balow. I had to prop him up against the wall in the cabin to spoon feed him. After a while, he seemed embarrassed that I was feeding him and took the spoon away and began feeding himself.
    I didn’t like the idea of staying in the cabin so near to the pirates, but I figured they were busy with, island and hopefully wouldn’t come back to find us.
    I tried to not think of Jeff, but it was hard not to. It was horrible what happened to him. I blame myself. I shouldn’t have convinced him to swim the distance. I should have found a boat or something. Jeff may still be alive if he hadn’t been in the open water - hopelessly trying to swim. I will carry the blame for a long time. I will always wonder if I could have done more. Could I have done something different? I am so sorry Jeff. You were a good friend and I will miss you.
    Tyler's
    Journal Entry: 426
    Date: September 20
    Day: Friday
    Weather: Sunny and warm
    Miles to go: 580
     
    Balow slept hard and he snored so loud that I was afraid the pirates were going to hear us. But they didn’t. When the sun came up, I peered out a window from the cabin and saw smoke rising in the distance from the island. The noise of battle stopped in the early morning and all went silent.
    Balow woke refreshed but still in pain from his PULL. I could tell he wanted to get going. I knew he had to leave. However, I was glad to see him rested, fed, and ready for battle. We agreed on a meeting spot and a reasonable waiting time. I helped him with his gear, like a squire prepping his knight. Balow was heading into his own battle, and I was not sure if I was going to see him again. The last thing I handed him was his tomahawks. He took them and shook my hand, then pulled me in for a hug.
    “Thank you Tyler,” I know it was you that freed me from the prison. I will repay you soon. Be careful and have a safe journey.”
    And then Balow was