5~The Main Hall

The woman led him through the corridor.Some of the curious groups followed them. She pulled on a huge lever on the wall. Luca seemed to have missed that due to the darkness.The chandeliers on the ceiling lit up bright yellow light on them.

With the light, he could see the doors more clearly.The doors looked ancient and their numbers were more than what he could count on hands.There were scattering behind him.The children were wearing comfortable clothes with similar pattern but different colors. The children seemed to know the place really well since a few of them entered and exited through different doors now and then.

They walked for no less than two minutes.The woman and Luca were the only one left.They stopped in front of doors that seemed larger than the others. The woman pushed the doors open.The sight inside made his stomach growl louder.

There were round wooden tables with benches.A buffet table was at the right corner.On plates were bread and mashed potatoes and something that looked like soup.There were small packets of biscut at a corner.

'May I take a plate?'he asked.

'Help yourself.You must be hungry after all that exploring.'she answered.

'What's your name?'he asked.

'Jane'

The simple meal was fulfilling for the stomach.He looked up and was surprised to find a child opposite to him.He hadn't sensed the child's presence until then.The child looked about 8 years old.He was reading a large book with a black thick covering.The dress he was wearing was identical to the other's but with a grey shade.

He noticed the gaze of Luca but didn't rose his head.The woman gave him water to drink and took him outside the spacious hall.This time she showed him the door opposite.The doors had a carving of moon which looked beautiful and soothing.

He entered the rooms and was again surprised to find a huge room.But this time, the room had beds instead of tables.The room was big enough to fit all the children.There were a few bunk beds, lots of small beds and few cradles for the babies.

'The bed at the corner is for you.You can take the top.The bottom is Kate's space.'She pointed towards an old bunk bed at the far corner of the cozy room.Before he could ask who Kate was,he heard voices outside the room.The door opened and three other women came in carrying babies in their arms.One of them made a sign to keep quiet as the babies were sleeping.

'Its time for their afternoon nap.I almost forgot.'Jane whispered.

'Forgot what?'

'Its half past three'

'So?'

'You will meet the Elder at four'

He almost blurted out 'for what' but luckily held it in.This was a way to ask the 'Elder' about his parents which Jane didn't know.Mr Carter's whereabouts were his first priority.He had nightmare about trucks and blood every night.He wished to meet the respected 'Elder' as soon as possible.