“Haha, very funny,” she muttered.
When the laughter subsided, Tony said, “Try it again. Small sips.”
Rogue wrinkled her nose. “No, thanks.”
“Just give it a chance. You’ll get used to the taste,” he prompted.
“Fine,” she replied, taking the tiniest of sips. It still tasted like crap to her, but she kept at it, not wanting to spoil the mood.
It didn’t take long for the liquor to take effect, and a warm glow settled into the pit of her stomach. A sense of languid ease stole over her body, and she found her cheering along with the rest.
“To our first hundred miles,” Jessica said, raising her glass.
“Hear, hear,” Bear said.
“To the Water Lily. She was a good craft,” Tony added.
“To the Water Lily!” the rest joined in.
“To Ralph and Allen,” Imogen said, her voice slurred. Like Rogue, she wasn’t used to alcohol in any form, and her cheeks were flushed.
“To Brittany,” David said, tipping his glass back.
Rogue watched him with a worried frown, but he seemed more relaxed than earlier. Perhaps he needed a little time-out. A way to process the loss of his childhood friend. Either way, she would not stop him.
“Cheers,” she said, clinking her glass against Seth’s.
The rest of the night passed in a blur. It didn’t take long for her to seek her bed, wobbling across the room on unsteady legs. She fell onto the bench and passed out as soon as her head hit the pillow. Seth crawled in next to her not long after that, but she hardly stirred. For once, no dreams or nightmares plagued her sleep.
Chapter 17
The next morning, Rogue woke up with a sense of unease. She sat upright and winced as a stabbing pain lanced through her skull. Her stomach churned, her mouth tasted like sandpaper, and she was reminded once again of her reasons for avoiding alcohol. I should not have had that second glass.
Her unease grew as she looked around the room. Everyone else was still fast asleep, and Bear’s resounding snores echoed throughout the bar. It was still early, and dawn was a couple of hours away. All seemed at peace. Still, she couldn’t shake off the dread that had hold of her.
Then she heard it again. The sound that had roused her from sleep. Howls. A chorus of distant howls. It started off slow and built into a crescendo of noise that tapered off into a deep silence. What is that?
Rogue shivered, her mind racing with possibilities. Wolves? Feral dogs? A weird dinosaur species that howled? She’d seen nothing like that before, but that didn’t mean they didn’t exist. Anything was possible.
She got to her feet and padded toward the counter. With fumbling fingers, she lit a couple of candles. A golden glow suffused the bar, and she located her spear. With the weapon gripped in one hand and a candle in the other, she searched the restaurant.
It was empty. The windows and doors were shut. Nonetheless, she tested them all to make sure. Finally, only the front entrance remained. With her heart in her throat, she edged toward it one step at a time. When a distance of three feet separated her from the door, she paused. Her ears were cocked for the slightest sound, and she was ready for anything.
Scratch.
Scratch, scratch.
A hand gripped her shoulder. “What are you doing here?”
“Holy shit, don’t do that,” Rogue cried, jumping with fright. She whirled around and came face to face with Seth. “You scared the crap out of me!”
“Sorry,” he mumbled.
She studied Seth’s face. His eyes were bloodshot and swollen, and he winced with the slightest move. He looked as bad as she felt, but that was the least of their problems. “Do you hear that?”
“Hear what?” he asked with a look of confusion.
“That,” she said, pointing at the door.
Scratch.
Scratch, scratch.
Scratch, scratch, scratch.
“What is that?” Seth asked.
“Something’s trying to get in,” Rogue said.
Together, they stared at the entrance. Deep sniffs followed the scratching sounds. Whatever was trying to get in could smell them. Then it growled, and a thud rang out as it rammed the door.
Rogue took a step back, her mouth dry. “Seth?”
He backpedaled with her. “This isn’t good.”
As if in answer to their fears, the mournful howls began once more. This time, it was a lot closer. The song shivered throughout the restaurant and rose in pitch as more howls joined in. It melded into a ghastly symphony created by too many creatures to count. It felt as if they were surrounded, hunted by ghostly beasts that rose with the night.
“There must be dozens of them,” someone said from behind them.
For the second time that night, Rogue jumped, her heart racing in her chest. She whirled around and spotted Bear silhouetted in the light. “Dozens of what?”
“Dogs,” he replied. “Those are feral dogs.”
“Dogs?” Rogue repeated, her mind conjuring up all sorts of terrifying images. “How do you know?”
“I’ve heard them before,” he said.
“What do we do?” Rogue asked.
“They know we’re here, they’re hungry, and they won’t give up without a fight,” Bear said. He turned around and walked back toward the bar. “We need to get ready.”
“Ready for what?” Rogue said, her eyes wide, but she already knew the answer. They were being stalked by a pack of feral dogs, and there was only one way out. Through them.
Inside the bar, everyone was awake, roused by the terrible noise. Questions rang out, and people rushed around getting dressed and grabbing their weapons.
“What’s going on?”
“Where’s that howling coming from?”
“Those are feral dogs, and we—” Seth began.
“Feral what?”
“That’s impossible.”
Seth stepped forward with his hands held up. “Calm down, people. We’re okay for now. Nothing is getting into the building. We’re safe.”
The rush died down as his words set in, and the sudden panic faded away. Jessica sat down on the nearest stool. “What is happening? Can you tell us that much, at least?”
“Yeah, and speak slowly, please,” Tony added, blinking at the light.
Bear growled with frustration. “There’s a pack of feral dogs outside the door, and they want our blood. They stand between us and the vehicles, and there’s only one option open to us. We’ll have to fight.”
Tony got to his feet, his eyes bleary. “How many?”
“Dozens,” Bear said.
“That many?” Jessica exclaimed.
“Can’t you hear them?” David said, shaking his head. He wore a sour expression and reached for a bottle of water.
“Yes, we can hear them,” Imogen said. “It’s impossible not to hear them.”
“Whatever,” David said, his voice testy.
“This is not the time to argue, guys,” Seth said.
“Speak for yourself,” David said. “My head hurts, and I can hardly think straight.”
“We all had too much to drink last night, okay? Pull yourselves together,” Seth said.
“Great. This is just great,” Tony said, dragging one hand across his face.
“Oh, shut up, will you?” David said, clearly in a foul mood.
Rogue assessed the situation from a distance. It was all going to hell in a handbasket. “That’s enough. I know we’re hungover, but fighting among ourselves is not the answer. Let’s take things one step at a time. Okay?”
Several faces turned her way, and Jessica asked, “What do you suggest?”
“First things first. How about a solid breakfast, a cup of coffee, and a couple of painkillers each?” Rogue asked with raised eyebrows. “After that, we can discuss our next move.”
“Sounds good to me,” Tony said. “I could really use some coffee.”
“I think we all could. Curses on you and
that bottle of scotch,” Jessica said, wagging a finger at Tony.
“Hey, I didn’t force you to drink,” Tony protested.
“No, but I think I would’ve preferred a bullet to the head,” David added with a groan.
“Don’t worry, guys. We’ll be right as rain soon enough,” Rogue said with forced cheer. Secretly, she wanted nothing more than to crawl back into bed and sleep for another day. But the wolves were at the door. Literally.
“I’ll stoke the fire,” Seth offered.
“Thanks. I’ll put on the kettle,” Rogue said. “How does oatmeal sound?”
“Bland enough not to make me hurl,” Jessica said with a nod of approval. “I’ll sort out the guns and get our shit together.”
“I’ll help you with that,” Bear said.
“I’ll get the painkillers,” Imogen said, still slumped in her nest of blankets.
“And I’ll… I don’t know what to do,” David said.
“You can tidy up and pack away our supplies,” Rogue said.
“Right. I’m on it,” he replied.
With everyone busy with a task, Rogue set to work salvaging the morning. They had a mighty ordeal ahead of them, and they’d need their wits about them. Their strength too. With Seth at her side, she got a kettle of water on to boil next to a pot of oatmeal.
She set out bowls, mugs, and cutlery, sipping on a bottle of water to relieve her terrible thirst. Imogen’s painkillers kicked in not long after that, and her headache faded to a distant memory. A small mercy considering the creepy howls never let up. It would stop for a few minutes, only to start up again in full force. If she’d hoped the dogs would lose interest and leave, they soon proved her wrong.
After breakfast, Rogue got dressed, washed up, and packed her things. The others followed her example, and within the hour, they were ready to face the hounds outside the door.
“We need to stick together. The instant that door opens, the dogs will attack,” Bear said. “We can’t let them split us up. That’s their goal. To separate the weak from the strong.”
“Okay, so we have to stay in a group,” Rogue said.
“Yes, with our backs together and facing outward,” Bear continued. “We’ll make our way to the van like that. Once we reach it, Tony, Imogen, and David will get in and provide cover for the rest of us to get to the Jeep. Got it?”
“Got it,” Tony said.
“What if one of us gets hurt?” Imogen asked, her eyes wide.
“Keep moving,” Bear said.
“Okay,” she said in a small voice.
“Don’t worry,” Rogue said, reaching out to squeeze her hand. “You’ll be fine.”
“Thanks,” Imogen said with a jerky nod.
“So, that’s the plan?” David asked.
“That’s the plan,” Bear confirmed.
“It sounds simple enough,” Jessica said.
“Which means it’ll be anything but simple,” David said.
“Just stick together. We’ll make it as a group, or we won’t make it all,” Bear warned.
“You heard the man. Nobody gets left behind,” Seth said.
Rogue sucked in a deep breath. “Okay. Let’s do this.”
Chapter 18 - Callum
Callum surveyed the proceedings in the city square with an air of suppressed excitement. Despite the dangers that lay ahead, he looked forward to the trip. Or perhaps, it was the lure of danger that had him on the edge of his seat. Either way, it would be a welcome reprieve from the city and its many troubles.
A row of newly outfitted wagons lined the square. Four men manned each wagon, all armed to the teeth with crossbows, spears, knives, and shields. A motley assortment of donkeys, mules, and bullocks tugged at their harnesses. The animals were well-fed and healthy. They had to be to make the journey.
A couple of the wagons carried food, water, and other supplies for the men while the rest were empty. Hopefully, they’d return filled to the brim with the things they needed to save Prime. A squad of gunmen rounded out the ranks, prized for their excellent marksmanship.
Callum had dressed with care, as well. His boots and clothing were made of sturdy material, both practical and comfortable. A rifle rode on his back, and a pistol sat on his hip along with a razor-sharp machete and a survival knife. He’d borrowed Goliath for his mount, but Violet would stay behind. She was heavy with foal and couldn’t be risked.
He beckoned to his second-in-command. “Captain O’Neill. Are we ready for departure?”
O’Neill jogged over and delivered a brief report. “Yes, Sir. I personally inspected every man, animal, wagon, and piece of equipment myself. We have enough provisions to last us for two weeks, and the soldiers number sixty-strong.”
“Excellent. Get ready to open the gates,” Callum said. “I’ll be along shortly.”
“Yes, Sir,” O’Neill said, rushing off.
A spurt of adrenalin filled his veins. Soon, he’d lead the expedition through the gates and into the unknown. Out there lay a vast world filled with possibility and peril. It called to his blood, and he was eager to get started.
“You could at least pretend to be sad about leaving, you know?” Kat said, appearing at his side.
“I know, and I’m sorry, lass,” he admitted. “I’d be a liar if I said I didn’t look forward to it.”
“I can’t say I blame you,” she said with a sigh. “It’s been a rough few weeks. Every day, more problems arise, and there aren’t any solutions. The people are growing agitated, and they look to us to make things better.”
“Aye, tis a grim situation,” he said with more than a tinge of guilt. “And I’m leaving ye behind to face it alone.”
“Not alone. I have Patti, Moran, and Sandi,” Kat said. “Between us, we’ll keep the city afloat until you return.”
“Aye, and I left Bruce in charge of the Watch. He’ll do a fine job of keeping the peace while I’m gone, though he’ll have his hands full, I warrant.”
“At least, we can tell people there’s relief in sight. Not only did we send a party to Vancouver, but you’re going out on this expedition too,” Kat said. “Hopefully, it will keep the people calm until you return.”
“Aye, as long as we don’t return empty-handed,” Callum said.
“You’d better not,” Kat said. “Because if you do…”
“I know. Tis would be a disaster.”
Callum took a moment to look around. Hopeful faces filled the square. People from all around the city had come to see them off and wish them luck. Everyone knew how important this expedition was. Without it, many more would die.
Families said goodbye to loved ones: Husbands, wives, sons, and daughters. They all knew the risk, and he hoped he could bring his soldiers back alive. Each and every one. Yet, he was prepared to risk it. The needs of the many outweighed the needs of the few. It was the burden he carried as their leader, and he knew he couldn’t falter. It has to be done.
“How long will you be gone?” Kat asked.
“A week, perhaps two. We need to make this trip count, however long that takes,” Callum replied.
“I see,” Kat said, her expression strained.
“I don’t want to leave ye when ye’re in such a delicate state,” he said, turning to face Kat. “But I can’t expect my soldiers to risk everything if I’m not willing to do the same.”
“I know, and I understand,” Kat said, placing her hands on her stomach. “Besides, I’m not that far along yet. I’ll be fine.”
“Promise me ye’ll be careful, lass,” Callum said. “I couldna bear it if something happened to ye.”
“I promise, but I could ask the same of you,” Kat said. “Be sure to return to me, Callum MacNamara. I’m not raising this child alone.”
“I swear it,” he said, drawing her into his arms. He held her close and drank in her delicate scent. He wanted to carry this moment with him forever. It would sustain him in the days to come, as he hoped it would for her as well.
Kat c
lung to him, and when she spoke, her voice was hoarse. “Off with you, before I make you stay.”
With reluctance, Callum pulled away. He searched her face. “Never give up hope, lass. Remember all we’ve been through. This is but another trail to overcome.”
Kat nodded. “And overcome it, we will. Now go. Your men are waiting for you.”
With a supreme effort, he turned away and mounted his horse. Casting her a final look, he said, “I’ll come back to ye, Mistress Mewes, and that’s a promise.”
“See that you do,” she replied.
Without another word, she walked away and disappeared into the crowd. She would not see him off, and he understood her reasons. It hurt too much.
Callum whirled Goliath toward the gates and cantered to the head of the expedition. He nodded to O’Neill, and the gates swung open with a ponderous groan. With a nudge to the flanks, he pushed his horse into a trot and led his men into the unknown. Cheers accompanied their departure, but he couldn’t appreciate the sentiment. Instead, he whispered, “Goodbye, lass. Take care of our unborn child.”
Chapter 19
The group assembled at the front door of the Golden Dragon, ready to take on the feral dogs baying for their blood. They exchanged nervous looks, none of them eager to charge out into the open. Until that moment, the restaurant had sheltered them from harm, shielding them from the dangers outside. That was about to end.
Rogue gripped her spear with both hands, bracing herself for the fight to come. Her stomach churned, and she summoned up all of her courage. Come on, Rogue. Buck up. Dogs are nothing compared to raptors.
“Are you guys ready?” Seth asked. His hand hovered above the tarnished bronze handle of the front door, and he wore a look of steely determination.
His fortitude bolstered her faltering resolve, and she squared her shoulders. “I’m ready.”
“Let’s do this,” Jessica said with a curt nod.
“Imogen?” Seth asked.
Imogen swallowed visibly, her green eyes wide. “I’m okay.”
The Extinction Series | Book 6 | Primordial Earth 6 Page 11