Page 42 - Adam 2

canteens, blankets, knives strapped to the outside, and the pockets on Runa’s pack bulged with circuit boards and odd bits of old technology.
They walked quickly, and soon the remains of houses started to thin out, as they left the city centre. The humans didn’t say anything, but something changed in the way they walked – they stretched their shoulders, stood straighter, and seemed to relax. A little further on, Adam realised they were heading towards another ancient castle, on a hill south-east of the city. When they reached the hill, still half a kilometre from the city walls, Linden and Runa stopped.
“Put your hands up,” said Runa. “Like this.” She lifted her hands, and Adam copied her.
Nothing happened. Then, apparently from nowhere, seven humans stood up around them, holding long metal poles with EMP sticks fastened at the ends. Six of them pointed their sticks at Adam. The seventh figure, a tall, dark-skinned man with broad shoulders, stepped forward and glared at them.
“What’s that.” He spoke in a rough, flat voice, as if it wasn’t a question.
“Callum, meet Adam,” said Runa.
The man’s eyes flickered to her face and then to
Adam’s. He stared as if memorising every detail.
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